A leading German social association is advocating for mandatory media literacy education in all secondary schools, arguing that young people require the skills to navigate an increasingly complex digital landscape. Michaela Engelmeier, chairperson of the Sozialverband Deutschland (SoVD), emphasized the need to equip children with the tools to discern credible information and manage online risks, pointing out that not all students benefit from consistent guidance at home.
The SoVD contends that a dedicated curriculum – going beyond basic technical skills – is essential to foster critical thinking, responsible online behavior and an understanding of data privacy. The organization believes such an education is vital for enabling young people to participate fully in democratic processes and effectively address the challenges of a digital society.
The association cautioned against relying solely on restrictive measures, such as smartphone bans, to address challenges within schools. Engelmeier stated that prohibitions are likely to drive usage underground and argued for a more nuanced approach centered on responsible digital engagement through clear guidelines.
According to the SoVD, many children and adolescents operate within the digital sphere without sufficient preparation for potential dangers, including disinformation, hate speech, algorithmic manipulation and inadequate protection of personal data. The organization asserts that proactive education is crucial to address these challenges and empower young citizens.