Role of Students’ Media Literacy on Their Health: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Introduction: Media literacy can be considered as strengthening media experiences. The media has a great impact on the health of people, including children. However, so far this issue has been understudied and scientific evidence is needed to make a decision.This study aimed to investigate roles of students’ media literacy on their health. Methods: This study is a literature review with systematic search. Different electronic databases were used for a comprehensive literature search, including MEDLINE, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, Google Scholar, Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials and EMBASE to identify the records that match the mentioned inclusion criteria published from Januray 1st of 1990 to December 2020. The search resulted in 32 articles, of which 22 articles were removed (3 were not available, 12 were irrelevant, 7 were duplicates). Ten articles met the selection criteria and were included in the review. Exclusion criteria were those not published in peer reviewed journals, articles that address only one of the topics of media literacy or student health, and the age group of the subjects was over 18 years old or the students were not studied in primary and high school. Results: This study showed that media literacy is effective on students' behaviors. These behaviors promote health or high-risk behaviors.  the main studies have been conducted on nutrition, obesity, health tips, smoking, drug addiction and alcohol consumption. Conclusion: It is concluded   that the media has a great role in the health of students and this issue has been proven in previous studies. These effects both improve students' health and increase risky behaviors. Therefore, there is enough evidence for managers to decide to launch.