Empowering Youth Through Media Literacy

Information travels faster than ever, yet truth often struggles to keep up. From social media feeds to online news, young people are constantly exposed to a mix of facts, opinions, and falsehoods. As misinformation spreads and discriminatory narratives gain ground, media literacy has become one of the most vital skills of our time.

This is where “Words Matter: Media Literacy Lab - Insights & Actions” comes in. We have designed this powerful new resource for youth workers and educators who want to strengthen critical thinking, responsible media use, and inclusion among young people.

The booklet captures the key learnings and outcomes of our Erasmus+ training course “Words Matter: Media Literacy Lab”, which brought together 27 youth leaders from nine European countries in Lecce, Italy, from November 19-27, 2024. Through non-formal education, hands-on activities, and intercultural dialogue, participants explored how media influences perceptions, shapes narratives, and impacts democracy and human rights.

Inside this booklet, readers will find practical tools, reflections, and inspiring follow-up activities that show how media literacy can be applied in youth work to:

• identify and challenge misinformation;

• promote empathy and inclusion through responsible communication;

• empower young people to become informed, active citizens in the digital age.

This booklet is not just a record of a successful project, it’s also a call to action for all youth workers to use media as a force for truth, equity, and understanding.

We invite you to download “Words Matter: Insights & Actions” and make it part of your youth work toolkit.

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The "Words Matter: Media Literacy Lab" training course took place November 19-27, 2024 in Lecce, Italy. It was coordinated by Officina Nuova Dimensione Europea (ONDE) APS and co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union with support from Agenzia Italiana per la Gioventù. This article reflects the views only of ONDE, and neither the European Union nor the Agenzia Italiana per la Gioventù can be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained herein.