Active learning ideas
Media and Moral Panics examines the powerful role of the press, social media, and television in shaping public perceptions of crime. Students explore how the media 'constructs' crime stories, often focusing on sensationalism and stereotypes rather than statistical reality. A central concept is the 'moral panic,' where the media identifies a group as a 'folk devil,' leading to public anxiety and often disproportionate legal responses. This topic directly addresses WJEC AC1.4 and AC1.5, requiring students to evaluate the impact of media on public fear and policy.
Activity 01
In small groups, students act as a news editorial team. They are given a minor incident (e.g., teenagers wearing hoodies in a park) and must create a sensationalist headline, a 'folk devil' profile, and a call for new laws to show how panics are built.
How does the media construct representations of violent crime?
Activity 02
Display various crime-related media: tabloid covers, true crime podcast ads, and social media posts. Students use sticky notes to identify 'news values' like sensationalism, proximity, or simplification present in each piece.
What is a moral panic and how is it triggered?
Activity 03
Students compare a graph of actual violent crime rates with a graph of public fear of crime. In pairs, they discuss how specific media portrayals (like 'over-reporting' of rare crimes) contribute to this gap before sharing with the class.
How do media portrayals influence public perception of criminality?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
The media just reports the news as it happens.
Media outlets choose what to report based on 'news values' like drama or celebrity. They construct a version of reality rather than reflecting it perfectly. Deconstructing headlines in a group setting helps students see these editorial choices in action.
Moral panics are a thing of the past (like the Mods and Rockers).
Moral panics are constant and evolve with technology, such as recent panics over drill music or social media 'challenges.' Using contemporary examples in a simulation helps students see the ongoing relevance of Cohen's theory.
Methods used in this brief
Understanding Different Types of Crime
An examination of various criminal offences, including white-collar, moral, state, and technological crimes. Students will analyse how these crimes differ in their execution and societal impact.
8 methodologies
The Dark Figure of Crime
Investigating the personal, social, and cultural reasons why individuals fail to report crimes to the police. This topic also covers the 'ripple effect' and consequences of hidden criminality.
8 methodologies
Campaigns for Change
Evaluating the methods used by pressure groups and charities to campaign for changes in criminal law and policy. Students will assess the effectiveness of recent high-profile campaigns.
8 methodologies