This curriculum guide for educators, youth group leaders, and health professionals provides materials for teaching young people to critically evaluate the media which influences them, with particular reference to alcohol and tobacco use. Part 1, "Youth, Media, Tobacco, Alcohol," presents background facts and concepts. The relationship of youth and media is explored. Part 2, "Getting Media Sharper," covers program implementation. Five teaching modules are included: (1) "Ready. Set. Action!" provides basic tools for critically evaluating media messages; (2) "It's All in the Marketing (Advertising, Promotions, Event Sponsorships)" contains four activities to help young people understand how marketing strategies normalize and glamorize tobacco and alcohol use; (3) "That's Entertainment!" contains three activities that teach how tobacco and alcohol use are promoted in entertainment programming; (4) "What's News?" consists of three activities that clarify how news and news-oriented media influence one's perceptions of alcohol and tobacco; (5) "It's a Wrap" provides a summation of the skills and principles of being media sharp. Format is loose-leaf with one 7-minute videotape included. Handouts, worksheets, suggested activities and readings, references, Internet and other resources, glossary, and video supplements are appended. (EMK)