A Study on the Development of a Visual Media Education Program: With a Focus on the Korea Media Rating Board’s Education Program for Teenagers

Background/Objectives: Media education is considered essential in terms of fostering abilities to utilize information and to express creatively, which are demanded for individuals to excel in the increasingly media-intensive 21st century. Methods/Statistical Analysis: This study first examines the reasons why media education is necessary and reviews the current media education programs that are conducted in Korea. Then it suggests a model of a media education program for teenagers that can be implemented by the Korea Media Rating Board. Findings: The present study examines the measures to implement an effective media education program. To this end, the suggested model encompasses the essential contents of media education as well as information regarding the Korea Media Rating Board. In other words, the suggested model complies with the founding mission of the Korea Media Rating Board and the objectives of its core projects, but also provides useful lessons regarding the Korea's media rating system and trains teenagers with appropriate media ethics. Meanwhile, this study has limitations due to the need to distinguish the model from existing media education programs conducted in other organizations and the nature of the Korea Media Rating Board. Application/Improvements: The program proposed will contribute to changing the perceptions about the need for media education in public education and to broadening the spectrum of media education in Korea.