Media Smart – UK advertising’s non-profit education programme – has adapted its popular film-based educational resource, ‘TikTok: Adverts, Creators and You’, for SEND (Special Education Needs and Disabilities) students. This is the first time Media Smart has produced a resource for SEND pupils, however its ambition is to adapt all educational materials going forward so that they are inclusive for all young people. Media Smart was one of only five organisations to be awarded a DCMS media literacy grant.

Research with SEND teachers and students revealed the need to make the video resources less noisy; tone down the colours in the classroom materials; use more signposting symbols; and spread the content across two lessons rather than just one. The films have been made for use in PSHE and Media Studies – Key Stage 3, 4 and 5.

The videos feature successful TikTok Creators and empower 13 to 17-year-olds with the tools they need to navigate TikTok’s commercial side, ensuring they have the most positive online experience possible. The resource will also assist teachers, parents and carers who want to increase their own knowledge in helping young people confidently and securely use TikTok.

“I am absolutely delighted that we have been able to adapt our popular TikTok resource for SEND students with the help of the DCMS funding,” said Media Smart Director, Rachel Barber-Mack. “While TikTok can be a place for creativity and connection, it is vital for all young people to be able to identify adverts and learn the behaviours of brands and creators on the platform. Now that we have the necessary research, we can rightly futureproof and adapt all of our resources so that they are inclusive of all students.”