Baywatch and Beowulf: Relationship Between Media Literacy and Adolescent Smoking
A new study reported by the Journal of Adolescent Health has found that media literacy in students is substantially correlated with smoking behavior. The study found in particular that students with a higher smoking media literacy index were nearly 50% less likely to be current smokers or be susceptible to smoking in the future than their peers.
As reported by the Journal, media literacy is teaching students to watch Baywatch just as they would read Beowulf. As seen in the study, this approach holds some significance in influencing adolescent behavior, in particular as it relates to the prevention of smoking.
For more information on this study, media literacy, or adolescent issues please visit the Journal of Adolescent Health website.
