The second part of the 2023 session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) concludes today in Strasbourg. MP Kostis Efstathiou participated in the plenary session of the CSCE, on behalf of the Socialist Group of the Assembly, in a debate on the relationship between youth and the media.
Mr Efstathiou pointed out that in the new digital environment, the provision of information is mainly achieved through electronic media and that the new generations, born in the digital age, are particularly familiar with this reality. The widespread use of digital tools by young people, he said, and their direct connection, communication and access to information, as well as to a variety of opportunities for entertainment, education and work, has armed them with significant advantages. The Cypriot MEP also highlighted the challenges and dangers of using digital media, including misinformation, social isolation, harassment and exploitation. Young people and young children are particularly vulnerable to these risks, Mr Efstathiou stressed, which is why a strong regulatory framework is needed to protect the well-intended interests of children and young people.
Mr Efstathiou also underlined the need to promote new strategies and action plans focusing on the safe use of the internet and digital media in school curricula.
Mr Efstathiou also stressed the need to promote new strategies and action plans focusing on the safe use of the internet and digital media in school curricula. In this context, he pointed out that educational programmes should not introduce new discrimination, but should instead promote digital education for all social strata and all ages, so that young people can enjoy their rights and fundamental freedoms to the fullest extent possible through a safe digital environment.
In order to achieve a balance between technological progress and the need to protect the citizen, especially the youth, Mr.Efstathiou stressed, a regulatory framework should be adopted.
(Text as sent by the House of Representatives)
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