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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2019 - 2020
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | March 5, 2019 01:14 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Tim Briggs |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Media Literacy in Schools |
| I believe that the health of our Democracy is contingent on the health of Journalism. Every day, however, we are being constantly bombarded with information, both at home and at work, much of which is difficult to separate fact from fiction. Many of us are attempting to discern this difference oftentimes with little experience or reference. If our democracy is to thrive, it is imperative that media literacy be something that is emphasized and taught to future generations. The sophistication in how misleading information is disguised as news can make it very difficult for someone, particularly young people who are bombarded with information through social media, to determine the truth. While college courses are currently being taught on this topic, adding this subject to the curriculum for grades 1 through 12 would be a way to ensure that more people learn about the significance of media literacy early in life. My legislation would require the Pennsylvania Department of Education to develop age appropriate media literacy curriculum that would be made available to school districts throughout the Commonwealth. Please join me in this important effort to develop media literacy in Pennsylvania’s school-aged children. Previous Co-Sponsors (HB661 from 2017-2018): R. FREEMAN, D. BULLOCK, S. KINSEY, H. READSHAW, D. COSTA, W. KORTZ, C. RABB, and M. ROZZI |
Introduced as HB992