Perceived media influence on youth bullying and substance abuse behaviors

Authors

  • Patrick C. Herbert, PhD, CHES
  • Darson Rhodes, PhD, MCHES
  • Je’Lynn Tiberi-Ramos
  • Taylor Cichon
  • Hailee Baer
  • Carol Cox, PhD, MCHES

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47779/ajhs.2018.70

Keywords:

Media Literacy, Afterschool, Substance Abuse

Abstract

Social influences and ‘new media’ may contribute to students participating in risky health be-
haviors. An evidence-based, digital media literacy curriculum was delivered by members of a community
substance abuse prevention coalition to upper elementary-aged students in a local afterschool program.
Written pre-post assessments of perceived media influence on their health risk behaviors were completed
by participants. Mean pre-test scores for ‘Influence of the Internet’ were significantly (p<.01) higher than
post-test scores. Results reflect participants reporting the internet had less influence on their health choices
post-program than pre-program. Media literacy interventions can be effective when used in the afterschool
setting.

Published

2018-10-01

How to Cite

Herbert, P. C., Rhodes, D., Tiberi-Ramos, J., Cichon, T., Baer, H., & Cox, C. (2018). Perceived media influence on youth bullying and substance abuse behaviors. American Journal of Health Studies, 33(4). https://doi.org/10.47779/ajhs.2018.70