She Leads statement delivered at the HRC53 during the discussion on the role of media literacy

She Leads statement delivered at the HRC53 during the discussion on the role of media literacy

 

A shocking 2.2 billion, or two-thirds of children and young people aged 25 years or less, do not have internet access at home. Nonetheless, the digital realm is increasingly transforming into a platform for self-expression, voicing support and criticism, and for young people, it serves as a crucial space for organizing and mobilizing for social transformation.

 

 

Access to the internet and media platforms, and having comprehensive media literary, opens doors for our generation. It empowers young people to analyze, evaluate, and understand the media they consume. By fostering media literacy, we also enable individuals to decipher the complex web of information, identify bias and misinformation, and form independent opinions. This leads to a more engaged citizenry, capable of participating meaningfully in democratic processes.

 

We implore States to guarantee the availability of reasonably priced and subsidized internet, devices including phones, and media literacy courses for individuals of various age groups and those with diverse abilities. Furthermore, we urge States to integrate age-appropriate media literacy education into school curricula, to ensure that young individuals, like myself, can be part of important conversations. Lastly, we call upon States to implement robust regulations on media platforms, in order to protect the rights of young people to access the digital realm safely and securely.

 

Read the full statement here

 

 

Cover picture: @A-Tardy-Plan-International