Government Class PSA: Stop Bullying

The second unit of many government courses is “Participating in Government.” This unit begins with an introduction to political parties, proceeds to elections and voting, and concludes with a study of mass media, interest groups, and public opinion. As students began studying mass media’s role in politics, they learn that the media sometimes has a public agenda, and that while media does not necessarily tell the public what to think, media does shape opinion by focusing attention on an issue. A positive side to the idea of shaping opinion is the public service announcement which students learn have the following objectives: raise awareness of a social issue, and change public attitudes and behavior towards a social issue. High school students today face many pressing social issues. Having students identify an important social issue, research that issue, and then create and present a public service announcement allows them to analyze the power of the media and the media’s role in the political process.