Media Literacy that Hits Different
Help your teens protect their mental health and think critically about media with Message Academy, a media literacy and SEL masterclass for grades 8-12.
Watch the trailer and get Message Academy Episode I: Behind the Lines today
WHAT'S Inside? More than a Moment
Your purchase of Episode I: Behind the Lines includes
THE VIDEO
20 minute video exploring how song lyrics shape identity, mindset, and behavior plus neuroscience-backed tips to harness music for your mental health.
Conversation Starters + Activities
Flexible, standards-aligned, activities and remix exercises designed for reuse year-round at home, in classrooms, libraries, or youth programs.
Optional Live Virtual Instruction
Deepened engagement with interactive live virtual sessions led by our team, designed to broaden and extend learning.
WHAT MESSAGE ACADEMY OFFERS
FOR Teens + LIFELONG learners
- Understand how media shapes identity, values, and mindset
- Build critical thinking and decision-making skills
- Navigate media, AI, and life with empathy and purpose
FOR EDUCATORS AND YOUTH WORKERS
- Done for you, plug-and-play, video lessons and discussion guides
- Flexible activities for multiple groups throughout the year
- Standards-aligned and SEL-integrated media literacy + media art curriculum
- Optional live instruction to enhance engagement
DISTRICTS AND SCHOOLS WE'VE SERVED
WHY MESSAGE ACADEMY
TEENS ARE IN A MEDIA AND MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS
60%
of teens who were heavy social media users with low parental support reported poor or very poor mental health in a 2024 study from the American Psychological Association.
Find out how harmful media affects youth well-being
OUR APPROACH: BEYOND FACT-CHECKING
Misinformation is the Tip of the Iceberg
Today’s AI driven media environment doesn’t just inform or misinform; it influences how young people see themselves, and the world. Misinformation and harmful messages go deep, and so do we. We believe skillsets without mindset are a half-step, and our work prioritizes both. It’s the difference between learning to spot misinformation and becoming a truth seeker. Birds don’t just learn to fly; they fly because it’s who they are.
OUR IMPACT
5,000+
Students reached in the United States and Canada
94%
of surveyed Message Academy students understand media’s influence on their thoughts and behaviors
80%
recognize how their social media presence affects their future
76%
shared or planned to share their Message Academy experience with friends