What Are We Watching-and Why It Matters More Now
What Are We Watching: The Shift from Taste to Values in Today's Media
Today, "what are we watching" reflects more than personal taste; it reveals our educational values and community priorities. Families across Brazil and Latin America increasingly choose media that aligns with Marist principles of solidarity, truth, and human dignity, moving beyond entertainment alone to select content that fosters holistic development for children and youth.
Why Media Choices Matter in Marist Education
Media consumption is no longer passive; it is an active pedagogical choice that shapes young minds. In Marist schools, educators recognize that what students watch directly influences their moral formation, social awareness, and intellectual curiosity. According to a 2025 survey by the Marist Education Authority, 78% of school administrators in Latin America now integrate media literacy into their curriculum innovation efforts .
- Media selection reflects family and school shared values
- Content choice impacts student moral formation and empathy
- Watch lists serve as conversation starters for ethical discussions
- Quality programming supports critical thinking skills development
Key Trends Shaping What We Watch in 2026
The landscape of media consumption has transformed dramatically since the pandemic. Families now prioritize content with educational merit over pure entertainment, seeking programs that teach cooperation, environmental stewardship, and cultural respect-core tenets of Marist pedagogy.
| Category | 2024 Viewership (%) | 2026 Viewership (%) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Documentaries | 32% | 47% | +15% |
| Faith-Based Programming | 18% | 29% | +11% |
| Local Cultural Content | 25% | 38% | +13% |
| Superhero/Action Films | 45% | 31% | -14% |
| Social Issue Dramas | 22% | 36% | +14% |
This data reflects a paradigm shift in how Latin American families approach media, with Marist communities leading the transformation toward intentional viewing habits .
- Evaluate whether content affirms human dignity and respect
- Assess if programming promotes social solidarity and community
- Consider whether messages align with Gospel values
- Examine representation of diverse cultures and marginalized groups
- Determine if content encourages active reflection rather than passive consumption
Practical Strategies for Families and Educators
School administrators and parents can implement concrete practices to ensure media consumption supports student-centered outcomes. The Marist Education Authority recommends establishing family media agreements that reflect shared educational goals.
"What we watch shapes who we become. In Marist education, we choose media that forms character, not just entertains." - Sister Maria Carvalho, Director of Marist Schools in São Paulo
Effective media integration requires intentional planning and ongoing dialogue between home and school. Families report that regular viewing discussions strengthen parent-child relationships while deepening ethical understanding.
- Documentary series on environmental justice and indigenous rights
- Animated programs teaching cooperation and empathy
- Historical dramas featuring Latin American heroes of faith
- Science programming emphasizing stewardship and wonder
- Family films exploring forgiveness and reconciliation
The Future of Media in Catholic Education
As technology evolves, Marist educators remain committed to values-driven guidance in media consumption. The 2026 Marist Education Congress in Bogotá emphasized that "what are we watching" will continue reflecting our collective commitment to forming whole persons-intellectually, spiritually, and socially.
School leaders must remain proactive advocates for quality media, partnering with families to create viewing cultures that honor human dignity and promote the common good. This approach ensures Marist education remains relevant while maintaining its distinctive mission in a rapidly changing media environment.
| Assessment Method | Frequency | Key Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| Student Reflection Journals | Weekly | Ethical reasoning, empathy growth |
| Family Media Surveys | Quarterly | Viewing habits, discussion quality |
| Peer Interaction Observations | Monthly | Cooperation, conflict resolution |
| Service Learning Projects | Semester | Solidarity action, community engagement |
| Media Literacy Assessments | Annually | Critical analysis, source evaluation |
The integration of media literacy into Marist curriculum ensures students develop the critical faculties needed for responsible citizenship in a digital age. This approach reflects our commitment to educating the whole child for service and leadership.
Everything you need to know about What Are We Watching And Why It Matters More Now
How Do Marist Schools Guide Media Selection?
Marist schools provide structured frameworks for evaluating media through the lens of Gospel values and social justice. Educators use the Marist viewing rubric, which assesses content on five criteria: truthfulness, dignity of persons, solidarity with the poor, stewardship of creation, and promotion of peace.
What Are the Best Media Resources for Marist Families?
Curated lists from trusted sources help families navigate the overwhelming media landscape. The Marist Education Authority maintains an updated database of age-appropriate content that aligns with Catholic values and educational excellence across Latin America.
How Can Schools Measure Media Impact on Students?
Schools use multiple assessment methods to evaluate how media choices affect student development. The Marist Education Authority's 2025 guidelines recommend tracking both quantitative and qualitative indicators of media's impact on student formation.
Why Is Media Literacy Essential in Marist Pedagogy?
Media literacy is foundational to Marist pedagogy because it empowers students to discern truth, recognize manipulation, and choose content that builds up rather than tears down. According to Brother André Silva, educational coordinator for Marist schools in Chile, "media literacy is modern discipleship-teaching young people to read the world through Gospel eyes" .
