Media and Citizenship – SS2 Citizenship & Heritage Studies Lesson Note (Third Term)

The media are the channels through which citizens learn what is happening in their country and the world.

• Subject: Citizenship and Heritage Studies
• Class: SS2
• Focus: Role of the press, social media and freedom of expression

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Name the two main types of media and give examples of each.
2. Explain why the press is called the “Fourth Estate” and describe its four roles.
3. State what Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution says about freedom of expression and list its limits.
4. Describe the good and dangerous sides of social media.
5. List four duties of a responsible digital citizen.

What is “the media”?

The media are the “bridge” or “window” through which citizens see events beyond their own area.

• Example: a student in a classroom in Port Harcourt learns what is happening in Abuja through the media.
• Use to a citizen: the media help you know your rights and watch how the government spends public money.

What are the types of media?

There are two main types of media: the press (traditional media) and social media.

The press (traditional media)

• Newspapers: printed or online papers such as Punch.
• Radio: programmes broadcast by sound, including call-in shows.
• Television: programmes broadcast with sound and pictures, such as NTA and Channels.

Social media

• Platforms: WhatsApp, TikTok, X (Twitter), Facebook and Instagram.
• Feature: any user with a phone and data can post and share information.

Citizen journalist

A citizen journalist is an ordinary person who records and reports events using a smartphone.

What is the role of the press as the “Fourth Estate”?

The Fourth Estate is a name for the press, which watches the three arms of government (Executive, Legislature and Judiciary) on behalf of the public.

• Not an arm of government: the press has no official power, but its reports can influence leaders and the public.
• Constitution: Section 22 of the 1999 Constitution says the mass media shall be free to uphold the responsibility and accountability of government to the people.

What are the four roles of the press?

• Information (the teacher): tells us about new laws, weather warnings or when a strike is starting.
• Watchdog (the security guard): “barks” when it sees corruption. If a politician steals money meant for a hospital, journalists investigate and tell the public.
• Agenda setting: influences which topics people talk about. If the media report “bad roads” every day, the government may be pushed to fix them.
• Public forum: gives ordinary Nigerians a space to air their views, for example radio call-in shows.

How does the law help citizens get information?

• Freedom of Information Act 2011: gives citizens the right to request records from public institutions.
• Link to the press: journalists use such records to report on how public money is used.

What is freedom of expression?

Freedom of expression is the right to hold opinions and to receive and share ideas and information without interference.

• Source: Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution says every person is entitled to this freedom.
• What it means: you may share opinions in writing, speech or art without being arrested just for disagreeing with the government.
• Why it matters: without it, people fear pointing out mistakes, and leaders could rule without being questioned.

What are the limits of freedom of expression?

Freedom of expression has legal limits, so it is not a licence to say anything.

• Hate speech: insulting or stirring up hatred against people because of their tribe or religion.
• Slander or libel: false statements that damage someone’s reputation.
• Threat to national security: inciting people to start a war or riot.
• Other limits in law: Section 45 allows laws made in the interest of defence, public safety, public order, public morality and public health.

What is the difference between libel and slander?

• Libel: a false statement that harms a person’s reputation and is written or published.
• Slander: a false statement that harms a person’s reputation and is spoken.

How has social media changed citizenship?

Social media let any person with a smartphone publish news, so each user acts like a small media house.

What is the good side of social media?

• Instant news: we learn of events as they happen.
• Mobilisation: it is easy to organise for a good cause, such as raising money for a sick person or protesting a bad policy.
• Accountability: you can tag a government agency on X (Twitter) and often get a quick response.

What is the dangerous side of social media?

• Fake news: anyone can post anything, so false stories can spread quickly.
• Cyber-bullying: people gang up on others online, which can lead to mental health problems.
• Echo chambers: we follow only people we agree with, which divides the country further.

How can you spot fake news?

Fake news is false information presented as real news.

1. Check who posted it and whether the source is known and trusted.
2. Check whether trusted news outlets are reporting the same story.
3. Check the date, since old stories are often shared as new.
4. Be careful with posts that use shocking words and urge you to “forward to everyone”.

How can you be a responsible digital citizen?

A responsible digital citizen is a social media user who shares information truthfully and respects others.

• Verify before you share: if a post says “School fees have been cancelled”, do not forward it to 10 groups. Check official news sites first.
• Use your voice for good: talk about things that help Nigeria, such as cleanliness, education or peace.
• Respect others: disagree with people’s ideas, but do not attack the person.
• Report harmful content: if you see someone planning a crime or bullying another person, use the “Report” button.

Evaluation

1. Why is the press called the “Fourth Estate”?
2. State the four roles of the press.
3. What does Section 39 of the Constitution say, and what are three limits to freedom of expression?
4. Give two good effects and two dangers of social media.
5. If the government shut down social media in Nigeria tomorrow because of “fake news”, would you support it? Give reasons.

Assignment

Write a short paragraph explaining four things a student should do to be a responsible digital citizen.