Getting teens to read the news, Pg9

Key Highlights:

• Studies show a decline in reading for pleasure among students, attributed to social media and short-form videos.
• A 2025 U.K. survey by Ofcom revealed that 57% of 12-15-year-olds get news from social media.
• Australia has imposed a ban on social media use for children below 16.
• The Hindu In School team focuses on news relevant to teenagers, using simple language and explanatory journalism.

Detailed Insights:

• Social media enables youth expression but often lacks age-appropriate content, prompting concerns and restrictions.
• Traditional platforms offer limited child-friendly journalism, making inclusive news creation challenging.
• The Hindu In School uses unique headlines, covers topics like Srinivasa Ramanujan's birth anniversary, and offers exam tips.
• The publication prioritizes explanatory journalism, breaking down complex issues like climate change through visuals and relatable stories.
• They involve young readers by publishing their stories and opinions, fostering engagement and language skills.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Explanatory Journalism: Focuses on explaining the context and consequences of events, rather than just reporting facts.
• Inverted Pyramid: Traditional news writing style where the most important information is presented first.
• Social Media: Online platforms enabling users to create and share content, and participate in social networking.