The House Hippo: A Nostalgic Lesson in Media Literacy for Kids Then and Now!

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Years ago, Canadian children were introduced to a tiny, mysterious creature called the "House Hippo" through a beloved PSA (Public Service Announcement). This charming advertisement depicted a miniature hippo living in the quiet corners of homes, making its nest from lost socks and eating peanut butter crumbs at night. It felt so real that kids were captivated. But there was a catch—the House Hippo wasn't real at all.

What Was the House Hippo?

The House Hippo PSA first aired in the late 1990s as part of the Concerned Children's Advertisers (now MediaSmarts) initiative. The commercial was a cleverly crafted short that showed a tiny hippo living in an average home, its nighttime activities narrated in a documentary style. At the end of the PSA, viewers were reminded that if they believed what they saw, they should "think again." It was a warning that not everything presented on TV or in media is true, even when it looks convincing. The ad encouraged critical thinking and skepticism when consuming media.

Lessons the House Hippo Taught Kids

The House Hippo was designed to teach children how to evaluate the truthfulness of what they see in the media. It sparked conversations in classrooms and homes about how easily we can be fooled by convincing images and stories. The key lessons included:

1. Not Everything You See Is Real: The realistic nature of the House Hippo’s life served as an example of how media can manipulate facts or create believable stories that aren't true. It reminded kids to question what they see.

   

2. Critical Thinking: The PSA encouraged children to ask questions and think critically when they encounter new information. It was a simple but powerful introduction to the idea of media literacy.

3. Awareness of Media Influence: Children learned that media, whether on TV, the internet, or elsewhere, has the power to shape how they think, what they believe, and how they understand the world around them.

Teaching Media Literacy Today with the House Hippo

In today’s digital age, children are exposed to an overwhelming amount of information—some of it true, some of it false, and much of it designed to influence their opinions. This makes media literacy more crucial than ever, and the House Hippo remains a relevant tool to teach kids how to navigate media.

1. Revisiting the PSA: Educators and parents can use the original House Hippo video as a fun and nostalgic way to start conversations about media literacy. By watching the video, kids can discuss why the House Hippo seemed believable and how we can spot fake stories today.

2. Spotting False Information: Just like the House Hippo wasn’t real, children today encounter deepfakes, manipulated images, and misleading headlines online. Parents and teachers can draw parallels between the House Hippo and modern-day examples to teach kids how to fact-check what they see on social media, websites, or even YouTube.

3. Questioning What You See: The biggest lesson from the House Hippo is the importance of asking questions. Encourage kids to ask:

 A. Is this information from a reliable source?

 B. Could this image or video be altered?

 C. Why might someone create something that looks real but isn’t?

4. Recognizing Media Influence: Help children understand that just as the House Hippo was designed to make them believe in a false reality, modern media is often crafted to influence opinions or sell products. They can learn to recognize when media is trying to sway their beliefs or actions.

Bringing the House Hippo into the Digital Age

The House Hippo may have been a product of the 90s, but the lessons it taught are timeless. In an era where children are growing up with smartphones, social media, and 24/7 access to information, the need for media literacy has never been greater. By revisiting the House Hippo, we can remind kids today to question, think critically, and be savvy consumers of media. Whether through fun videos like the House Hippo or discussions about real-world media examples, teaching media literacy early can help children navigate a complex digital landscape with confidence and wisdom.

Click here for sample media literacy lessons from Media Smarts.