Policy paper

A Safe, Informed Digital Nation

Our approach to improving media literacy and the first steps towards a safe, informed digital nation.

• From: Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, Department for Culture, Media and Sport and Department for Education
• Published: 16 March 2026

Documents

A Safe, Informed Digital Nation

Ref: ISBN 978-1-5286-6307-6 , E03563440 , CP 1535

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A Safe, Informed Digital Nation (web-optimised PDF)

Ref: ISBN 978-1-5286-6307-6 , E03563440, CP 1535

PDF, 533 KB, 28 pages

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A Safe, Informed Digital Nation (print-ready PDF)

Ref: ISBN 978-1-5286-6307-6, E03563440, CP 1535

PDF, 476 KB, 28 pages

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Details

This action plan explains what the government is doing to improve media literacy and the first steps we are taking to help people feel safer, more confident and better informed online. 

Media literacy is the ability to think critically about media and online content. It includes understanding how online services present information and recognising that actions online can have offline consequences. These skills help people benefit from the opportunities the digital world offers.

The plan sets out 3 core principles guiding our approach and 4 priority areas for action.

Core principles to delivering a more media literate UK

• we will support people where they are
• we will share and use what works
• we will help everyone play their part in strengthening media literacy

Priority areas for actions to achieve our vision of success

• build awareness of media literacy and support access to trusted information
• prepare children and young people for a digital future
• boost local initiatives, to support people facing barriers to participation
• ensure a coherent approach across government and support cross-sector coordination

We will track progress over time and build on this work as new challenges and opportunities arise.

Published 16 March 2026