Better Internet for Kids

“In a world where information circulates at unprecedented speed, the ability to consciously evaluate and interpret content is vital.” This sentence comes from the introduction to the National Media Literacy Plan in Portugal. The document highlights these skills as essential for “strengthening democracy and promoting a better informed, critical and active citizenship”. 

The relevance of this topic has led UNESCO to recognise media literacy as a key skill for ensuring human rights. However, data from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) shows that Portuguese adults score below average in these skills. 

The National Plan for Media Literacy was adopted for the period between 2025 and 2029 and has four main objectives:  

1. promoting media literacy among all target groups;  
2. to combat misinformation;  
3. to promote the responsible and informed consumption of content;  
4. to promote a better informed and participatory citizenship. 

Every year, the Informal Group for Media Literacy (GILM), which includes the National Cybersecurity Centre (CNCS), organises the national “7 Days with the Media” campaign. The 13th edition will be in 2025. The central theme is artificial intelligence, under the motto: “AI, therefore I think”. 

“Media literacy helps us to make better decisions in our daily lives” 

Interview with Paulo Couraceiro, researcher and Obercom representative in the Informal Group for Media Literacy (GILM). 

What is media literacy? 

A simple definition would be the ability to access and evaluate information. It is also about creating content in a safe, responsible and critical way. Essentially, it’s about having the right skills to navigate the media world – whether it's news, social media content, advertising, video games or new applications of artificial intelligence. 

Why is this so important for young people? 

Media literacy allows us to be better informed and use this information to make better decisions for our daily lives, and this is crucial for young people. At its core, it’s about adopting a critical attitude and questioning what we see or hear. Media literacy is the foundation for all other forms of education. The way we deal with information and the criteria we apply to be active and critical consumers are of fundamental importance. 

What are the biggest challenges and threats? 

An increasingly relevant challenge is disinformation. We know that social media is the most important source of information for young people. And in this context, we see that algorithms are designed to keep us in an “infinite scroll”. On the other hand, one of the biggest challenges facing young people today is the use of artificial intelligence tools as a substitute for their own critical thinking. This touches on the most sensitive point of literacy – that we ourselves determine what we consume and produce. 

What precautions should young people take in this regard? 

The most important guideline is that we need to question. And I think it's in the nature of young people to question. We should question who is publishing the information, question the content and also question the context – is the information intended to sell something, shock or cause division? This is a constant challenge and the most important countermeasure young people can take is to check multiple sources. 

What role can young people play? 

We all have a voice and can contribute to media literacy. We invite everyone to visit the “7 Days with the Media” website and use the hashtags associated with the event to create and share content.  More and more, I believe that the future of media literacy lies in giving young people a leading role. 

Find more information about the work of the Portuguese Safer Internet Centre, including its awareness raising, helpline, hotline, and youth participation services, or find similar information for other Safer Internet Centres throughout Europe.