This session I introduced a bill that would incorporate 'media literacy' in K-12 curriculum. The bill (S638) would add media literacy to the existing civics education law. At its core, this legislation is about developing critical thinking skills. I was compelled to introduce this bill after seeing a short overview of the program in Finland.
I believe there has never been a more important time for our citizens to understand the role of media and be critical consumers of information. Previous generations would sit together and watch the evening news, getting the same information, delivered in the same way, at the same time. Our current state is such a drastic departure where people get their information from social media and are fed stories via whatever algorithm has put on their timeline. With so much misinformation and disinformation circulating constantly, it is so key that we consider the sources we are reading and ask questions about their accuracy. We all need to be thoughtful about our media consumption.
Check out this recent article from The Providence Journal about the bill and the perfect example of why it is so important right now, here in Rhode Island: "RI bill would make media literacy a required topic in schools. Why lawmakers say it's needed."