The Ministry of Education considers all incoming initiatives, considering all objective circumstances. It should be borne in mind that media literacy is part of free teaching activities, which are already being implemented, the Ministry of Education of Serbia told Demostat, answering our questions regarding the initiative of Demostat to introduce the subject of media literacy into the Serbian school system. In Croatia, a Handbook for primary school teachers entitled "Media Literacy" was recently published, which provides suggestions for working with students from the first to the fourth grade of primary school. It is in accordance with the mentioned proposal of Demostat, published at the end of 2022.

The Ministry of Education explains that "students in the second education cycle can choose Media Literacy as a free teaching activity."

- Free teaching activities are part of the teaching and learning plan that the school plans with the School Program and the Annual Work Plan. The selected program for the student is mandatory, and a descriptive grade expresses success. Media literacy includes four thematic areas, which relate to the concept and function of the media, analysis of media messages, advertising in the media and media content on mobile digital platforms, and searching on the Internet, the Ministry indicates.

As the Ministry of Education specified, "The main task of the teacher who implements this program is to encourage students interest in an analytical approach to media content and develop responsible student behavior when creating and publishing media messages through social networks and phone applications." Also, they learn to rely on their strengths and develop competencies for working with data. Students are encouraged to, apart from the Internet, use other sources of information such as books, old photos, interviews, etc.

- Besides free teaching activities, media literacy is also covered through teaching units of various compulsory subjects, optional activities, and projects. Primary school students from the 1st grade have a mandatory Digital World course. In this way, they can develop an algorithmic way of thinking from an early age and learn how to safely and functionally use information technologies. Also, Informatics and Computing are compulsory for 5th to 8th grade students. These subjects also cover specific topics related to media literacy, concludes the Ministry of Education of Serbia.

Demostat’s initiative

Demostat launched an initiative to introduce the subject of media literacy into the school system in Serbia as a form of defense against fake news, misinformation, and manipulation of information, which are becoming an increasing problem in Serbian society and around the world. In the coming period, Demostat will publish the Media Literacy Strategy, which is being worked on by journalists, psychologists, and sociologists, and which, among other things, will outline guidelines for recognizing fake news and defending against misinformation.

North Macedonian Media Partner Link:  https://www.slobodenpecat.mk/uchilishtata-vo-srbija-voveduvaat-predmet-za-mediumska-pismenost/