2025: The European Year of Digital Citizenship Education – A Step Towards Responsible Digital Citizenship 
March 2025

The Council of Europe has declared 2025 the European Year of Digital Citizenship Education, highlighting the urgent need to equip both students and educators with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the digital world responsibly.

​

In today’s technology-driven society, understanding digital rights, responsibilities, and the legal aspects of online interactions is crucial for fostering a safe, inclusive, and informed digital environment.

​

The rapid digital transformation of recent decades has indeed revolutionized communication, education, and work. However, it has also introduced challenges such as misinformation, cyber threats, and digital exclusion. Digital citizenship education is no longer optional, it is essential for active and responsible participation in the digital era.

​

As explored in previous articles, digital citizenship education goes beyond technical skills. It encompasses a deep understanding of online behavior, legal frameworks, and ethical considerations.

​

The Importance of Digital Well-being

​

Another key aspect of digital citizenship education that requires special attention is digital well-being. 

As screen time and internet-based activities increase, especially among adolescents, excessive exposure can lead to significant physical and mental health concerns.

​

Prolonged screen use has been linked to sleep disturbances, eye strain, and decreased physical activity. Meanwhile, the pressures of social media and online interactions can contribute to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Adolescents, in particular, are vulnerable to cyberbullying, social comparison, and the addictive nature of digital platforms, all of which can negatively impact their emotional well-being.

 

To mitigate these risks, educators and parents must collaborate to promote healthy digital habits. Encouraging structured screen time, offline activities, and digital detox practices can help foster a balanced relationship with technology.

​

Building Digital Resilience

​

Closely linked to digital well-being is digital resilience, i.e. the ability to adapt to and recover from challenges in the digital space, such as cyberbullying, misinformation, privacy breaches, etc.

By fostering digital resilience, people can be empowered to navigate the online world with confidence and responsibility. This not only improves personal well-being but also contributes to a more respectful and safe digital community.

​

Project like Digi-Civis play a crucial role in ensuring that both students and teachers are well-prepared to face the challenges and opportunities of the digital era. The steps we take today will shape the digital citizens of tomorrow, ensuring they are not only skilled but also mindful and responsible in their engagement with the digital world.

 

References

Council of Europe, 2025 European Year of Digital Citizenship
Education, https://europeanyear2025.coe.int/

UNESCO, (2021), Screen Time and Learner Well-being, https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000377895

European Parliament, New EU rules needed to make digital platforms less addictive, https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20231023IPR08161/new-eu-rules-needed-to-make-digital-platforms-less-addictive

Cotten, S. R. (2008), Students’ technology use and the impacts on well-being, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/227537512_Students'_technology_use_and_the_impacts_on_well-being

Think Young, Digital Resilience, https://www.thinkyoung.eu/Research/digital-resilience