Media Literacy Week Calls on Canadians to Explore Gender Representation in Media and its Influence on Young People

Media Awareness Network (MNet) and the Canadian Teachers' Federation (CTF) marked the launch of Canada's Media Literacy Week by highlighting the need for parents, educators and youth to talk about the ways that gender is portrayed in media and how this can influence young people's perceptions of themselves and others.

"Teachers see first-hand how media and information technology influence the manner in which students interact with each other and how they view the world around them. Media Literacy Week is an opportunity for teachers to discuss with and engage young people so they can become literate in the understanding of visual images and media messages," says CTF President Mary-Lou Donnelly. Media Literacy Week has been promoting the integration of media literacy activities in communities, schools and families across Canada for the past five years. The week underscores the importance of nurturing critical thinking skills in youth that will help them understand and effectively navigate their media-rich world.