Media literacy - The Nordic formula for a sustainable society

In an era of disinformation and digital noise, media literacy is a key tool that empowers people to make informed choices, develop critical thinking, and uphold democratic values. This event brings together experts, policymakers, educators, and youth leaders to explore the best practices in media literacy from Denmark, Norway, Finland, and Sweden.

Institutional strategies, challenges related to disinformation, and youth engagement in combating fake news are part of the discussions. Leading experts present how media literacy is successfully implemented in schools and society.

The main speakers are Mathias Nimgård – Consultant at the Digital Center for Child and Youth Welfare, Denmark, Jessikka Aro – Investigative journalist and author of *Putin’s Trolls*, Finland, Lauri Palsa – Chair of the Finnish Society on Media Education, Lena Oden – Director of Kunskapsskolan School, Enköping, Sweden.

What people don't understand about media literacy was one of the main question. Well-intentioned people can't believe that there are people on social media who want to influence. On the other hand, if we don't believe in anything, it doesn't mean we have critical thinking, commented Irina Nedeva and insisted to show facts.

Amusing ourselves to death or informing our selves to death - such a question was asked by the moderator Boyko Vasilev from the BNT (partner of BROD project). Is the media literacy a panacea, when should we give smartphones to our children, who is responsible for their education, how to teach children media literacy when we don't know what apps they use - these are just some of the problems which were discussed.

There is no universal approach and each country must find its own way, was one of the conclusions. Media literacy is not just about how to use technology, but about thinking critically, looking for facts, not opinions.