Media Literacy for a More Inclusive Future

In today’s digital world, media literacy is essential for fostering inclusion and challenging discriminatory narratives. Young people across the EU are more connected than ever—over 96% of EU youth use the internet daily (Eurostat, 2023), engaging with an endless stream of content. However, with this exposure comes a heightened risk of encountering misinformation and bias. A recent survey reveals that 68% of Europeans frequently encounter fake news (Statista, 2023), yet only about 30% of youth actively fact-check what they read (Eurostat, 2023). With media literacy, youth can learn to identify, challenge, and combat these issues, making it a crucial step toward a more inclusive society.

Why Media Literacy Matters for Youth Workers

Youth workers are in a unique position to mentor young people in responsible media use. Equipped with media literacy skills, they can:

• Guide youth in critical thinking: Teaching young people to verify sources and question content, protecting them from misinformation.

  
  

• Challenge stereotypes and promote inclusion: Engaging youth in projects that highlight diverse voices and reject harmful narratives.

  
  

• Empower responsible digital citizenship: Instilling values of empathy, inclusivity, and responsibility in online spaces.

  
  

"Words Matter: Media Literacy Lab"

ONDE’s Erasmus+ training, “Words Matter: Media Literacy Lab,” is designed for youth workers eager to make a positive impact. From November 19-27, 2024, in Lecce, Italy, this seven-day course will bring together 27 participants from nine countries—Austria, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, and Spain.

Guided by a media professional, participants will engage in a hands-on curriculum rooted in human rights education. Key learning objectives include:

1. Building a strong foundation in media literacy principles

2. Enhancing critical thinking and source evaluation

3. Identifying and countering misinformation and discrimination

4. Promoting responsible media use and digital citizenship

5. Creating impactful, inclusive media literacy projects

   
   

Media literacy is a cornerstone for building inclusive societies in an increasingly connected world. As gatekeepers and mentors, youth workers hold a critical role in guiding young people toward responsible media use, empowering them to discern credible information and reject harmful stereotypes. By equipping youth with media literacy skills, youth workers promote empathy, respect, and understanding, ensuring that the next generation is prepared to foster a society rooted in inclusivity and critical awareness. This work has the power to bridge divides, creating lasting, positive change in communities across Europe. With "Words Matter," ONDE aims to contribute towards these efforts, preparing a new cohort of Europeans to take on diverse media consumption challenges.

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The "Words Matter: Media Literacy Lab" training course will take place November 19-27, 2024 in Lecce, Italy. It is coordinated by Officina Nuova Dimensione Europea (ONDE) APS and co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union with support from Agenzia Italiana per la Gioventù. This article reflects the views only of ONDE, and neither the European Union nor the Agenzia Italiana per la Gioventù can be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained herein.