Experts highlight Media Literacy for International Literacy Day 2025

In celebration of International Literacy Day (8 September), leading online training provider High Speed Training highlights the critical need to expand our understanding of literacy to meet the demands of the modern world.

This year’s theme, “Promoting literacy in the digital era,” underscores the necessity of equipping individuals with the skills to navigate an increasingly complex online environment.

What is media literacy?

In today’s world, literacy goes beyond reading and writing. Media literacy includes accessing, analyzing, evaluating, and creating media. As we engage with information online, these skills are crucial for navigating the digital landscape safely. Digital literacy helps us think critically, discern credible sources from misinformation, and engage thoughtfully with content.

Dr Richard Anderson, Head of Learning & Development at High Speed Training, said: “Literacy today has evolved beyond the printed page; it now encompasses the ability to critically interpret the digital world. This year’s theme is a crucial acknowledgement of that shift. Developing the skills to not only access but also question, analyse, and evaluate digital information is fundamental.”

Media literacy skills you should know

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) framework outlines five key principles of media literacy:

1. Understanding the Risks of Sharing Personal Data Online: Recognising the importance of privacy and being cautious about what personal information is shared, to protect against identity theft and other online dangers and harms.
2. Understanding How the Online Environment Operates: Knowing that algorithms and commercial interests often shape what you see, which can influence opinions and create filter bubbles.
3. Knowing How Online Content is Generated and How to Critically Analyse It: Questioning the source and purpose of information to distinguish between credible facts, opinions, and misinformation.
4. Realising That Online Actions Have Consequences Offline: Understanding that online interactions, such as cyberbullying or sharing inappropriate content, can have serious real-world impacts on oneself and others.
5. Understanding How to Participate Safely in Online Engagement: Knowing how to protect oneself from online harm, identify potential scams, and report inappropriate or dangerous content.

Why is media literacy important & how to teach digital literacy to children and young people

Children and young people are growing up as digital natives, but this doesn’t equip them with the necessary skills to navigate the online world critically. They are vulnerable to misinformation, scams, cyberbullying, and harmful content. Teaching media literacy is essential for their safety. Simple methods include encouraging critical questions about online content, discussing facts versus opinions, and showing how to verify information sources.

Dr. Anderson continues: “The core of media literacy is fostering a mindset of active inquiry, especially in young people. It’s about encouraging them to ask critical questions about the content they encounter: Who created this? What is its purpose? How might others interpret it? Developing these foundational skills is what transforms them from passive consumers into being digitally literate. This process of learning to navigate the online world safely is how the inherent risks of the digital age can be turned into powerful opportunities for growth and connection.”