Finland has solidified its status as Europe's most media literate nation, integrating essential skills for identifying online hoaxes into its school curriculum amid a surge of misinformation campaigns.
In a recent class at a Helsinki school, literature teacher Saara Varmola engaged her 14- to 15-year-old students in discussions about the importance of questioning the sources of their media consumption. 'Who produced the material that you watch? What do you produce yourself? Do you have an ethical responsibility?' she prompted, highlighting the critical thinking skills necessary in today’s information landscape.
Finland's commitment to media literacy began with a national policy established in 2013, which was updated in 2019 to ensure that media literacy is woven throughout educational subjects from early childhood to upper secondary education. This initiative aims to empower citizens to critically engage with media content, debunk misinformation, and create their own content.
To further bolster these skills among adults and the elderly, libraries and NGOs are offering specialized courses. 'Media literacy is essential to building societal resilience,' stated Anders Adlercreutz, Finland's Minister of Education. 'As traditional media plays a diminishing role in information dissemination, it’s crucial to critically evaluate what we read.'
Finland has consistently topped the European Media Literacy Index since its inception in 2017, outperforming neighbors like Denmark and Sweden. This achievement can be attributed to a collaborative effort across various sectors, including schools, media outlets, libraries, and museums. 'Everybody participates in this work,' Adlercreutz noted.
Finns' trust in their societal institutions—such as the military, police, and government—also plays a significant role in the country’s media literacy success. However, with a long border with Russia and the rise of artificial intelligence, Finland remains vigilant against potential disinformation threats.
In classroom discussions, students expressed their awareness of how influencers on platforms like TikTok and Instagram can mislead audiences. They emphasized that their education has equipped them to analyze content critically and verify sources, skills they find essential in navigating today’s digital environment.
As Finland continues to adapt its educational strategies to keep pace with rapid digital changes, the focus remains on fostering critical thinking skills necessary for active participation in a democratic society. A key challenge lies in ensuring that all citizens, especially the elderly, are equipped to identify fake news in an increasingly complex information landscape.