Changes from report parliamentary committee draft to plenary report

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

Change 18

ChangedThis draft resolutionreport highlights the fundamental importance of media literacy and digital learning as core competences in modern society and as cornerstones of resilient democracies. In a rapidly evolving digital environment shaped by social media platforms, influencers, artificial intelligence, and changing patterns of content consumption, media literacy and digital learning is essential to empower citizens to critically assess information, distinguish fact from opinion, and resist disinformation, and anti-democratic propaganda.

Media literacy and digital learning are not limited to technical skills, but encompass critical thinking, self-awareness, creativity, and responsible participation in digital environments. They are particularly vital in the context of the “scrolling culture,” the growing dominance of short-form content, and the increasing reliance of young people on social media as their primary source of information.

Special attention is given to minors, adolescents, and other vulnerable groups, who face heightened risks online, including exposure to harmful content, cyberbullying, foreign interference, financial scams, and AI-generated manipulation. The resolution stresses that premature exposure to digital technologies without adequate foundational literacy skills can contribute to social, emotional, and cognitive harms. It therefore calls for age-appropriate, evidence-based, and holistic approaches to digital education throughout the entire education pathway, starting from primary school and continuing through life-long learning.

Recognising significant disparities among Member States, the Rapporteur advocates for a more coordinated European approach. It calls for strengthened cooperation between European institutions, enhanced use and enforcement of existing regulatory frameworks (including the AVMSD, DSA, and European Media Freedom Act), and for actions from the side of the online actors to promote transparency, label AI-generated content, mitigate systemic risks, and actively support media literacy efforts.

Change 19

ChangedFurthermore, the draft report emphasises the need for sustainable funding, structured monitoring, and systematic evaluation of national media literacy actions. It promotes the involvement of youth representatives, educators, civil society, researchers, as well as parents and caregivers in designing policies and educational programmes, ensuring that measures are tailored to the needs of specific demographic groups.

Change 20

ChangedThe draftreport frames media literacy and digital learning as a pillar of a strong and sustainable European media ecosystem. Given the strategic importance of media literacy and digital learning, the existing framework should be enhanced by a structured approach to education actions, recognising that higher levels of literacy contribute to greater trust in reputable media, support media pluralism, and enhance the economic sustainability of the sector. By fostering critical, informed, and empowered citizens, media literacy and digital learning can tangibly strengthen civic participation, social inclusion, and the integrity of democratic processes across the Union.