Media Literacy in Italy

Abstract

In Italy, the media literacy (ML) movement has a long grassroots tradition. Main actors are from civil society (academics, associations, church communities, teachers, media professionals, educators), with some growing support from local and national institutions. While digital literacy has stably entered the school system through funds, projects, and teaching resources aimed at improving students' digital skills, only recently has a more sociocultural view of digital technologies developed, thanks also to the National Plan for Digital School issued by the Ministry of Education in 2015. For the future, more commitment to developing the following three important directions is needed: conducting evaluative research on ML in order to have more evidence‐based knowledge of its impact on educational contexts, both formal and nonformal; enhancing training and producing quality resources for teachers and educators alike; fostering more coordination and networking among the various stakeholders involved in the field.