Navigating the Digital Waters in Education: The Importance of Promoting Digital Literacy and Teaching Digital Competences in South East Europe

Abstract

The worrisome rise of violence and abuse in the digital realm and the growing spread of misleading and harmful information raise the importance of developing skills linked to digital literacy and critical thinking in education. The ability to benefit from the advances of technology and communications without putting at risk children’s and adults’ privacy, physical, psychological and emotional well-being and safety is identified as crucial by many international and regional organisations, civil society organisations and state actors. The policy brief explores how the digitalisation of education systems and the importance of acquiring digital skills and competences are presented in major international and regional frameworks. We explore a number of achievements and persisting challenges in these areas, focusing on four countries in South East Europe. Additionally, we identify potential best practices on the basis of which we derive specific policy recommendations. The brief also emphasises the importance of digital solutions in education, which have been designed to take into account human rights and the needs of vulnerable groups instead of exacerbating bias and discrimination.