Today the Council of Europe’s European Year of Digital Citizenship Education (EYDCE) has been launched! SOLIDAR will support the EYDCE’s goal to encourage education that helps people use digital technologies in the right way and effectively, and to deal with problems like false information, bullying online, hate speech, and the misuse of personal data.

The Year marks an important step forward in equipping learners with the skills and knowledge to navigate our increasingly digital world. In an increasingly digitalised world, the quality and universal provision of Digital Citizenship Education is pivotal for enabling people to participate fully in society. Global Citizenship Education and its digital dimension Digital Citizenship Education are key to bridging the digital divide and ensuring that the digital transition is inclusive.

However, for these efforts to be truly effective, it is essential that a broad range of stakeholders, particularly civil society, are actively involved in the process. Collaboration with CSOs will ensure that the initiatives reflect diverse perspectives and address the real needs of learners across Europe.

SOLIDAR Foundation will closely follow the developments throughout the year, and will continue to promote more broadly an ethical digital transition that ensures that emerging digital technologies do not perpetuate (or widen) existing inequalities and discrimination. This includes protecting people’s privacy online and moving away from digital surveillance.

Read more about SOLIDAR Foundation’s stance on Digital Citizenship Education as part of the ECHO Network project here, and SOLIDAR’s work on a Fair Digital Transition here.