Global citizenship education in a digital age: teacher guidelines

The Crucial Role of Education in an Increasingly Digital World

Internet access has increased the flow of diverse information and expanded spaces for different expressions of knowing and being – and opportunities for effecting positive societal change. But it has also exacerbated and accelerated the spread of misinformation, disinformation, hate speech, and online violence. Between January and March 2021, 85,247 videos violated YouTube's hate speech policy; and more than 31.5 million pieces of content violated Facebook’s hate speech policy in the same quarter and were subsequently removed from the platforms.

In this unfolding digital age, the role of education in general, and global citizenship education in particular, is crucial. It enables the equipping of all learners, especially the youngest ones, with the skills and competencies to effectively access, critically engage with, create, use, and share information and knowledge on and through diverse digital technologies, especially social media platforms.

This publication provides educators with lesson plans, modules, and effective pedagogical strategies to enhance learners’ abilities in navigating and positively contributing to the digital world, with a strong focus on critical thinking and ethical decision-making. By equipping educators with these tools, the publication strives to prepare current and future generations for active participation in creating peaceful, just, and sustainable societies.