Today, technology permeates every aspect of our lives, from connecting with friends and family, accessing vital services through to working remotely. According to a recent study, the average British adult spends 59 hours a week using the internet. The COVID-19 pandemic in particular has highlighted the integral role that the online world plays in our lives, as we have had to rely on the internet like never before. When preparing young people for the challenges of the wider world, digital literacy is therefore essential.
But what does it mean to be digitally literate? Digital literacy is not just about having a technical understanding of how to use digital tools. It requires the development of critical thinking skills - the ability to be a critical consumer of information by questioning sources and discerning reliable content. Digital literacy also requires an understanding of the standards of behaviour expected online, as well an awareness of the social issues created by technology.
According the government's
Online Media Literacy Strategy, empowering young people with the skills to thrive in the digital world is key, but, as technology changes and younger generations become more and more social media-savvy, it isn't always easy to engage students with digital literacy in an impactful and relevant way.
