As we move deeper into the digital age, how can we ensure that everyone has the necessary skills to participate responsibly, safely, and effectively in the digital world? The European Year of Digital Citizenship Education 2025 is set to answer this question by promoting digital citizenship education across Europe. This initiative, endorsed by 46 European Ministers of Education, aims to equip citizens with the competences needed to thrive in a digitally connected society, fostering a sense of shared responsibility, democratic participation, and human rights online.
What is Digital Citizenship Education?
Digital Citizenship Education (DCE) goes far beyond teaching how to use digital tools. It is about introducing the values, attitudes, skills, and knowledge that allow individuals to become informed, active, and ethical participants in the digital world.
In 2025, the European Year of Digital Citizenship Education will serve as a call to action, encouraging all stakeholders - from governments to individuals - to engage in making digital citizenship a core part of education systems. The Council of Europe's framework will focus on the following areas:
- Critical Thinking and Digital Literacy
- Respecting Digital Rights and Freedoms
- Active Participation and Civic Engagement
- Safety and Well-Being in the Digital World
Why Is the European Year of Digital Citizenship Education So Important?
While digital technologies empower individuals with unprecedented access to information, education, and communication, they also expose them to various online risks. These include threats like online harassment, identity theft, and the spread of fake news, which can undermine trust in democratic systems.
Digital citizenship education empowers people to:
- Protect their privacy and respect the privacy of others.
- Recognise and challenge disinformation, online manipulation, and harmful content.
- Participate actively in online communities, fostering collaboration, inclusion, and mutual respect.
- Uphold and advocate for human rights and democratic values in digital spaces.
- Identify and manage risks, such as cyberbullying and hate speech.
The European Year of Digital Citizenship Education will focus on ensuring that all citizens - especially the younger generation - have the digital skills to navigate this landscape safely, effectively, and responsibly.
The Council of Europe's Vision: A Democratic, Inclusive Digital Future
The Council of Europe's long-term goal for digital citizenship education is not simply to provide technical skills but to foster an environment where digital rights, democracy, and social inclusion are prioritised. The European Year of Digital Citizenship Education 2025 is part of this broader vision to promote a human rights-based approach to digital technologies, ensuring they serve the public good rather than exacerbate inequality or division.
A Collaborative Effort
To make the European Year of Digital Citizenship Education 2025 a success, the Council of Europe is working in collaboration with Ministries of Education, schools, NGOs, private sector partners, and civil society organisations at local, national, and international levels. The active participation of all stakeholders will be essential for strengthening the implementation of digital citizenship education and promoting its core principles.
Key actions include:
- Awareness-raising campaigns across Europe and beyond, utilising social media, public events, and digital platforms to engage citizens in the digital citizenship conversation.
- Resource development for educators, policy makers, and other stakeholders to support the integration of DCE into curricula and educational practices.
- Teaching methodologies, such as interactive online courses, webinars, and workshops, designed to enhance the teaching and learning of digital citizenship.
Learn, Connect, Engage, Thrive Together!
The European Year of Digital Citizenship Education 2025 offers an exciting opportunity to shape the future of digital engagement in Europe. By embracing the principles of democracy, and social inclusion, we can build a digital future that benefits everyone.
The Council of Europe will be providing extensive support throughout the year, including online courses, teaching materials, and guidance for everyone involved in implementing digital citizenship education at various levels.
