(de-news.net) – The German Social Association (SoVD) has reiterated its call for the institutionalization of media literacy as a compulsory subject across all secondary educational institutions. The proposed curriculum is intended to extend beyond basic IT competencies, encompassing critical, responsible, and data-sensitive engagement with digital media, social networks, and platform-specific mechanisms. According to the association, such instruction is essential to ensure that children and adolescents are adequately equipped to navigate the complexities of a digitalized society and to participate effectively in democratic processes.

SoVD Chair Michaela Engelmeier emphasized that a significant number of young individuals lack foundational guidance within their domestic environments, rendering them vulnerable to digital threats such as disinformation, anti-democratic narratives, and AI-generated content. The association opposes blanket prohibitions, including smartphone bans, arguing that such measures often lead to covert usage. Instead, it advocates for a reflective pedagogical approach grounded in clear regulatory frameworks, enabling students to critically assess and autonomously engage with digital content.

Furthermore, the SoVD warned that children and adolescents routinely interact with digital platforms without sufficient preparation for the inherent risks. These risks—now integral to everyday digital engagement—include exposure to hate speech, algorithmic manipulation, and the careless handling of personal data.