High School Students' Perceptions on Potential Links Between Media and Health Behaviors

Research has demonstrated the concern over the relationship between media use among adolescents and its possible impact on their thoughts, attitudes and behaviors in regards to their health choices. Little is known about students' own perceptions of the relationship between media use and health behaviors. This study explores students' perceptions about this relationship as self described on qualitative surveys distributed to 84 students in a racially and socioeconomically diverse high school. Results demonstrate a range of perspectives on issues such as violence, sex, disordered eating, body image and substance use. Student perceptions on these issues can be used to inform media literacy practice.