Healthy Choices vs. Media Portrayals: Understanding Substance Use Influence (Grade 7)

📚 Healthy Choices vs. Media Portrayals: Understanding Substance Use Influence

It's super important to understand how media (like movies, TV, and social media) can sometimes make unhealthy choices, like substance use, seem appealing. Let's compare what healthy choices really are with how they're often shown in the media.

🍎 Definition of Healthy Choices

Healthy choices are actions and decisions that support your physical, mental, and social well-being. These choices contribute to a happy and fulfilling life.

• 💪 Physical Health: Eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep.
• 🧠 Mental Health: Managing stress, practicing mindfulness, and seeking help when needed.
• 🤝 Social Health: Building positive relationships, communicating effectively, and avoiding harmful influences.

🎬 Definition of Media Portrayals

Media portrayals are how different topics, including substance use, are represented in movies, TV shows, music, and online content. These portrayals can sometimes be unrealistic or glamorized.

• ✨ Glamorization: Making substance use look exciting, cool, or risk-free.
• 🎭 Normalization: Showing substance use as a common or acceptable behavior.
• ⚠️ Downplaying Risks: Ignoring or minimizing the negative consequences of substance use.

📊 Comparison Table: Healthy Choices vs. Media Portrayals

💡 Key Takeaways

• 🤔 Critical Thinking: 🧐 Always question what you see and hear in the media. Don't take everything at face value!
• 📢 Healthy Role Models: 🌟 Look up to people who make positive choices and prioritize their well-being.
• 💬 Open Communication: 🗣️ Talk to trusted adults, like parents, teachers, or counselors, about your concerns and questions.
• 🌱 Positive Influences: 🌳 Surround yourself with friends and activities that support healthy choices.
• 💪 Empowerment: ✨ Remember, you have the power to make your own decisions and choose what's best for you!