The recent Media Literacy Report published by the UK Communications and Digital Committee on July 25th adds to the recent discourse around the role of media literacy in protecting democracy.
We recognise the committee’s in-depth research and the value of its recommendations. However, we believe there’s a growing gap between what’s needed to secure democracy and the report’s current scope, which, while focusing on media literacy, doesn’t go far enough.
The urgency of now
The state of global democracy is concerning. The Economist’s Democracy Index highlights a rise in flawed democracies, even in nations previously considered secure. The World Economic Forum has consistently identified threats to democracy as the biggest global risk in recent years, with misinformation topping the list for the last two. Societies are increasingly aware of this, and in the UK, we have a vital opportunity to address these challenges.
This urgency is reflected in other significant developments. The Curriculum Review Interim Report (May 2025) underscores the national curriculum’s role in “sustaining democracy”. Similarly, the July 2025 announcement that the UK voting age will be lowered to 16 emphasises the need to “guard newly enfranchised young people against the potential effects of online mis- and disinformation” to “boost democratic engagement in a changing world”. These initiatives highlight a shared recognition of the foundational role education plays in fostering a robust democracy.
What we welcome in the report
TEEF welcomes several key recommendations from the report:
- Stronger Government Involvement and Collaboration: The call for a senior minister to oversee media literacy and increased cross-departmental collaboration, particularly with the Department for Education (DfE), is vital. Ofcom, as the report notes, has done a solid job in providing guidance, but a more coordinated government approach is clearly needed.
- Longer-Term Funding: We strongly support the demand for sustained funding for media literacy initiatives, moving beyond short-term pilots to established interventions reaching wider audiences. We also agree that a levy on technology companies should provide this long-term, stable funding, managed independently by Ofcom or the government.
- Comprehensive Curriculum Embedding: The report’s emphasis on embedding media literacy across the national curriculum from a young age, ensuring consistent and repeated engagement, is crucial. This includes regular updates to resources and mandatory training for teachers.
Where the report falls short
Despite these positive steps, the report has limitations, primarily in its definition and application of “media literacy” in the context of securing democracy:
- Narrow Focus on Critical Thinking: While the report defines media literacy as “having the skills to think critically about the content we create and consume” and repeatedly highlights critical thinking, its detailed recommendations are too narrowly focused on identifying facts and misinformation. There’s a noticeable gap between teaching how to identify truth and equipping individuals with the skills to use that information to form sound opinions and make informed decisions. Effectively securing democracy requires supporting young people to engage with a broad range of global news topics and actively considering diverse perspectives, not just evaluating facts.
- Addressing Sensitive Topics: The report touches upon the proliferation of harmful views online but doesn’t adequately address how schools can tackle entrenched viewpoints on controversial topics. Teachers need practical guidance on fostering open-minded, safe spaces for discussion over time.
The path forward?
TEEF believes that truly securing democracy necessitates a broader approach than just identifying misinformation. It requires cultivating curiosity, empathy, and the ability to weigh tough decisions. Our media literacy initiatives aim to bridge this gap, encouraging young people to engage with different perspectives and develop the nuanced critical thinking skills essential for informed civic participation. We look forward to engaging further with policymakers to ensure that the vital work of media literacy evolves to meet the complex demands of our changing democratic landscape.
Read about how The Economist Educational Foundation supports media literacy here.
Read our policy position on current affairs education here.
Browse our media literacy lessons here.