Recommendation on developing and promoting digital citizenship education

The Committee of Ministers has adopted a set of guidelines to its 47 member States asking them to develop and promote digital citizenship education and make it a priority for policy makers.

According to the Recommendation, the digital environment provides an unprecedented means for people to express themselves, to assemble and participate, and opens new opportunities to improve access and inclusion.

Digital citizenship education can contribute to raising awareness of discrimination and bias based on gender stereotypes and their effects on the online and offline world. It may also contribute to creating greater educational opportunities in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields for girls and women, and ensure that all citizens benefit fully from the digital revolution.

The text underlines the importance of empowering “learners” by providing the means to acquire the skills and competences for democratic culture, and by enabling them to tackle the challenges and risks arising from the digital environment and emerging technologies.