In a bid to combat misinformation and foster digital resilience, Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the release of New York’s first Media Literacy toolkit for educators. The initiative, developed by the State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) in partnership with the New York State Education Department (NYSED), is aimed at equipping students with critical thinking skills to navigate the complex modern media landscape.
The toolkit comes in response to a rising wave of misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation (MDM) amplified by social media, a phenomenon that has fueled political polarization, eroded trust in civic institutions, and, in some cases, incited violence. Most notably, the 2022 Buffalo mass shooter was reportedly radicalized online through exposure to conspiracy theories like the “Great Replacement Theory.”
“Whether it’s cell phones, social media, or the scourge of misinformation teens encounter each day, I’m taking action to protect young people online,” said Governor Hochul. “This toolkit gives our kids the tools to diligently interact with the information landscape and be responsible actors in the digital age.”
The toolkit, the first in a planned series of media literacy resources, provides educators with a five-part structure: an overview of the modern media landscape, an introduction to media literacy, key questions for analyzing media, the importance of media literacy, and tools for classroom integration. It includes lesson plans, interactive activities, and professional development resources for all grade levels.
The DHSES emphasized the toolkit’s role in addressing “information disorder,” a term encompassing the blurring of lines between fact, fiction, and opinion. Commissioner Jackie Bray noted that the average American teenager spends more than eight hours a day interacting with media, often encountering MDM without the tools to evaluate its validity.
“Media literacy is a fundamental skill of the 21st century,” said NYSED Commissioner Betty A. Rosa. “This toolkit empowers students to think critically, identify misinformation, and become informed citizens in a digital society.”
The effort also underscores the importance of educators, who play a central role in fostering critical analysis and responsible media consumption. Future resources from DHSES will expand to include audience-specific materials for parents and students, broadening the initiative’s impact.
The release builds on Governor Hochul’s broader efforts to support youth mental health and online safety. These include initiatives like a statewide plan to limit smartphone use in schools, expanding mental health clinics, and launching the “Get Offline, Get Outside” campaign to promote outdoor activities.
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