The state of media literacy in the Nordic countries was examined – the changing media environment is prompting us to reinforce media skills

Nordic media education authorities studied the media literacy skills of citizens in the Nordic countries and the results of the survey will be published in October. Media literacy was a topic of discussion at a Nordic conference organised by the Ministry of Education and Culture on 18 and 19 September.

The survey shows that people in the Nordic countries are resolute subscribers of news services and believe in the accuracy of public communications. Some respondents felt that the nature of social media as a platform with no editorial content or responsibility was unclear. The differences were more evident especially between age groups rather than between different countries. 

The report confirms the view that media literacy can make us more resilient. However, the changing media environment challenges citizens to further update and reinforce their skills.

“The Nordic pilot project on media literacy gives interesting additional information on where we have succeeded and especially on what we can learn from the rest of Nordic countries. We must make a determined effort to strengthen investments in critical media literacy, in multi-literacy in general, in democracy skills and in democratic participation,” said Minister of Education Anders Adlercreutz, who opened the conference.  

Finland and Åland are co-hosting the Presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers in 2025.  The main theme of the presidency programme is societal security, including preparedness for crises and stronger resilience.

The Media Literacy and Democracy Education for Societal Resilience Conference was organised in cooperation with the Finnish National Agency for Education, the National Audiovisual Institute, the Nordic Culture Point and the Nordic Network of Lifelong Learning with funding from the Nordic Council of Ministers. 
 
Inquiries:
-    Silja Hakulinen, Senior Ministerial Adviser, Cultural Affairs, tel. +358 295 330 202
-    Sini Keinonen, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 295 330 298