The Promotion of Media, Information, and Digital Literacy for Children and Youth: Case Studies from South Korea, Singapore, and the United Kingdom

Abstract

                This article presents an analysis of policy, implementation, and role of different sectors in promoting Media, Information, and Digital Literacy (MIDL) for children and youth in three countries: South Korea, Singapore, and the United Kingdom, using qualitative research methodology by conducting documentary research and purposively selecting three case studies. 
                The findings show that policy, implementation, and role of different sectors in promoting MIDL for children and youth in the case study countries, notably during the past five years, focus on digital literacy, particularly on protection of children and youth from harmful online content and risks in digital media usage. The study also finds the promotion of media use skills so that children and youth can produce content with creativity. These are carried out through educational and training activities. Moreover, educating people in institutions relevant to children and youth protection and learning, particularly families and schools, is given high importance. Most importantly, policy designing and implementation is based on surveys and studies that track the use of media, information, and digital media by children and youth, as well as the public in general, which become empirical evidence in policy-making decision.
                The findings also indicate that political, socio-cultural and economic contexts, as well as media landscape can shape policy design, implementation, and role of different sectors in promoting MIDL for children and youth. These factors render the promotion of critical thinking, criticism, and media production to present children and youth’s identity, opinions, and needs – which is fundamental to enhancing citizen’s rights and freedom, as well as civic participation in democratic society, less discernible, compared to the protection of children and youth from harmful content and risks in using mass media, information, and digital media.