The Message – Support your teen’s mental health with media literacy and SEL programs that build digital safety skills, critical thinking, and healthy mindsets.

Media Literacy that Hits Different

Help your teens protect their mental health and think critically about media + AI 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.

MESSAGE ACADEMY = SKILLS FOR MEDIA, AI, AND LIFE

Empathy and Self-awareness

Explore how media and culture shape identity, relationships, and emotional health.

Media Literacy

Learn how to questions your experiences with technology and content.

Easy-to-use Tools

Plug-and-play videos, activities, and discussion guides that turn learning into action

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

WHAT STUDENTS ARE SAYING

"I learned more than I thought. Overall I really enjoyed message academy, it has helped me see how I can uplift others through social media. As well as not getting tricked or scammed by misinformation online."

"I loved the openness of the class and how we were able to share things about the media or about our lives."

“This class made my Thursday's every week. Super fun and learned important things!”

"This is the only club that has my whole interest. Its super fun and engaging."

"My favorite part was how it brought awareness to things that I’ve already been thinking about in the back of my mind."