How do we improve children’s media literacy both in and outside of school? Lords to ask experts

The House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee will next week take evidence on how to improve media literacy among children and protect them from online harms both as part of school curriculums and outside of school.

The inquiry is considering the key actions required to enhance media literacy skills across the UK population, to enable citizens to engage with the digital world safely and responsibly.

The Committee will hear evidence in two sessions from 2:30pm on Tuesday 29 April in Committee Room 2 of the House of Lords. Giving evidence to the Committee will be:

2:30pm

• Carolyn Bunting MBE, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Internet Matters
• Jonathan Baggaley, Chief Executive Officer, PSHE Association
• Claire Pollard, Executive Board Member, Media Education Association

3:30pm

• Alistair Barfield, Director and Founder, Deflect and Protect
• Vicki Shotbolt, Chief Executive Officer, Parent Zone
• Matteo Bergamini MBE, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Shout Out UK

In the first session the Committee will question the witnesses on how media literacy is taught in schools and how this could be improved. The session will explore whether changes to the national curriculum are required and how teachers can be supported and trained to deliver effective media literacy education.

The second session will look at how to develop media literacy outside of school, including what support parents need to help their children understand and navigate the media and online world. The session will also cover the role of online platforms and gaming companies in developing young people's media literacy.