On June 13th, nearly 100 young participants from around the world convened at The International People’s College (IPC) in Helsingør, Denmark, for a comprehensive Youth Forum on Media and News Literacy. The event was organized as part of the NewsArcade@Classroom and aimed to provide an international platform for critical engagement with contemporary challenges in news consumption and production.
The full-day forum brought together youth aged 18 to 25 to explore the evolving media landscape shaped by digital technologies, algorithmic influence, and the growing prevalence of disinformation. Through a combination of expert-led discussions, interactive workshops, and creative sessions, participants examined the responsibilities and risks associated with modern news engagement.
The forum was structured around several central themes essential to understanding and navigating today’s media environment:
- The historical development of journalism and its foundational role in supporting democratic institutions
- The structure of news production, including editorial decision-making and story framing
- Critical media literacy skills, such as identifying reliable sources, recognizing bias, and detecting misinformation
- The influence of digital algorithms and data tracking in personal digital footprints
- Distinguishing between news content types, including factual reporting, opinion, advertising, and propaganda
Participants engaged in a variety of interactive and collaborative activities, designed to encourage deeper understanding and practical application of media literacy principles. These included workshops on news values, fact-checking, creating media content, and meme-based digital storytelling, as well as group discussions and presentations led by subject-matter experts.
The forum was further enriched by keynote addresses from distinguished professionals in journalism, education, and media studies:
- Mr. Aslak Gottlieb, academic, author, and entrepreneur at the intersection of education, journalism, and IT, offered valuable insights into innovative approaches to media literacy training.
- Ms. Menchie Nolasco, a dedicated advocate for journalistic integrity, shared her personal and professional experiences highlighting the critical role of independent media in upholding democratic norms.
- Mr. Etienne Millien, a seasoned journalist and media education specialist, provided expert commentary on the values underpinning credible news production and public trust in journalism.
The event underscored the importance of youth empowerment, intercultural exchange, and a shared commitment to information integrity. By fostering critical thinking and global dialogue, the forum encouraged young individuals to become more discerning media consumers and responsible digital citizens.
The Youth Forum plays a vital role in conceptualizing young people’s perceptions on news values and needs on news literacy thus to provide an effective and impactful gamification program on news literacy in classroom settings for youth aged 18-25.
