Source · Select Committees · Petitions Committee
Recommendation 29
29
Accepted
Alongside the legal, technological and regulatory responses to online abuse we have considered in this...
Recommendation
Alongside the legal, technological and regulatory responses to online abuse we have considered in this report, there is also a need to achieve long-term cultural and behavioural change that tackles online abuse by discouraging people from posting such content to begin with. The Government’s Online Media Literacy programme rightly seeks to give users of online platforms the skills and knowledge they need to be safe online, but there is also an equal need for the Government to invest in programmes which educate both adults and young people about acceptable and supportive online behaviour, and which challenge the prejudiced attitudes which are manifested in online abuse. (Paragraph 113) 52 Tackling Online Abuse
Government Response Summary
The government highlights its existing Online Media Literacy Strategy and Action Plan, which includes funding organisations, supporting teachers, and establishing a taskforce to empower users with the skills and knowledge for safe online choices.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
Alongside making legislative changes through the Bill, the government is committed to supporting the empowerment of users with the skills and knowledge they need to make safe and informed choices online. In July 2021, the government published the Online Media Literacy Strategy which introduced the Media Literacy Framework and sets out the key skills and knowledge underpinning strong media literacy capabilities. This promotes skills such as critical thinking and understanding that online actions have offline consequences. Alongside the Strategy we published the first annual Online Media Literacy Action Plan. This includes funding media literacy organisations to support teachers and schools working with students with disabilities, upskilling library staff and youth workers and establishing an expert Media Literacy Taskforce.