Strengthening media and digital literacy: Policy changes and leadership priorities

The UK is placing increasing emphasis on digital and media literacy as essential components of a modern curriculum. With the 2024 Government Review, Ofcom's expanding responsibilities under the Online Safety Act, and coordinated work from the Department for Education and UKCIS, there is now a clearer national direction to help schools prepare pupils for a fast-changing digital world. These developments highlight the importance of teaching critical evaluation of online content, understanding AI, and supporting safe, responsible engagement with digital technologies from primary onwards. This session will distil what these policy shifts mean in practice and hear from leading media organisations on the work their doing to support schools in strengthening media literacy. We will unpack the Review's recommendations, such as embedding media literacy through Citizenship and strengthening Computing as the core subject for digital skills, alongside the expectation that subjects like English, Science and PSHE play supporting roles. Attendees will gain an understanding of the evolving landscape and practical steps they can take to create a confident, future-ready digital culture in their schools.