Ethical Considerations in Media
MYP 1 | Language & Literature
Learning Objectives (Student-friendly)
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
Understand what media ethics means
Identify ethical and unethical choices in media
Explain why media responsibility is important
Think critically about how media affects people
Starter Activity (5 minutes): Think & Talk
Answer these:
  • One fair and respectful
  • One exaggerated or misleading
Ask:
  • Which one feels more "right"?
  • Why do you think so?
Media Choices matter
Key Definitions
1
1
1. Media
Definition: Media is any way information is shared with people (TV, newspapers, social media, ads, videos).
Examples: News reports, Instagram posts, YouTube videos, posters
2
2
2. Ethics
Definition: Ethics means knowing the difference between right and wrong.
3
3
3. Media Ethics
Definition (Student-friendly): Media ethics are the rules and values that guide how media should be created and shared responsibly and fairly.
4
4
4. Ethical Considerations in Media
Definition: Ethical considerations are the questions media creators ask before publishing content.
Example questions:
  • Is this true?
  • Is this fair?
  • Will this hurt anyone?
Core Ethical Considerations
Truth & Accuracy
Meaning: Media should share correct and honest information.
Unethical example: Fake news, edited photos that mislead
Fairness & Bias
Meaning: Media should show different viewpoints, not just one side.
Unethical example: Only blaming one group without evidence
Privacy
Meaning: People have the right to keep their personal life private.
Unethical example: Sharing someone's photo or story without permission
Respect & Sensitivity
Meaning: Media should not insult, stereotype, or hurt people's feelings.
Unethical example: Mocking culture, gender, or appearance
Responsibility
Meaning: Media creators must think about how their content influences others.
Unethical example: Promoting dangerous trends or harmful behaviour
Main Activity (15 minutes): Ethical or Not?
How it works:
  1. Pair work
  1. 1 media scenario to each pair

Example scenarios - search and pick one
  • A YouTuber exaggerates facts to get more views
  • A newspaper hides one side of the story
  • A student posts a classmate's photo without asking
Task:
Pairs decide:
  • Is it ethical or unethical?
  • Which ethical rule is followed or broken?
Pairs share answers briefly.
Creative Activity (10 minutes)
Fix the Media
Search for an unethical example, and ask them to:
1
Rewrite it ethically
2
Change a headline
3
Redesign a post to make it fair and respectful
Note-Taking Section
Ethical Considerations in Media – Key Notes
  • Media shares information with people
  • Ethics means right and wrong
  • Media ethics guide responsible media use
Ethical media is:
  • Truthful
  • Fair
  • Respectful
  • Responsible
  • Protective of privacy
Good media builds trust. Bad media can harm people.
Exit Ticket (5 minutes)
Complete one sentence:

"Media should be ethical because __________."
Homework in notebook
Spot the Ethics (Written)
Find one media example (news headline, ad, social media post, poster, or video).
Answer in 5–6 simple sentences:
  1. What type of media is it?
  1. What is the main message?
  1. Is it ethical or unethical?
  1. Why do you think so?
  1. Which ethical rule does it follow or break?
    (Truth / Fairness / Respect / Privacy / Responsibility)
🎨 OPTION 2: Create Ethical Media (Creative)
Create a small ethical media message:
  • Poster
  • Headline
  • Social media post
Then write 3 sentences explaining:
  • What your message is
  • How it is ethical
  • Who your audience is
Made with