Media literacy handbooks distributed to ninth-graders in Helsinki amid declining trust in media

In schools, the importance of critical thinking regarding information sources has been emphasized for decades. However, today, trust in even reputable media and verified information is waning. Susanna Ahonen, project manager at the News Media Association, expressed a desire for teachers to openly acknowledge that there are media outlets whose content is fundamentally trustworthy.

In response to this challenge, the News Media Association has distributed media literacy handbooks to all ninth-graders this year. The goal is for individuals to learn how to identify journalistically produced information and understand its distinction from other online communications.

Ahonen noted that it is not necessary for middle school students to read news articles very frequently; understanding the existence of journalism as an institution dedicated to disseminating verified information is more crucial. However, verifying news independently remains essential.

Ninth graders Merituuli Minkkinen, Martin Ioffe, and Kalle Hirvonen from Vuoniitty School in Helsinki have expressed awareness of the difference between journalism and social media content. Hirvonen pointed out that news information is confirmed, while social media can be unreliable, where anyone can claim anything. Minkkinen, who reads the news weekly, acknowledges the need to verify information sometimes, whether through Google search or inquiries to knowledgeable individuals.

According to Ioffe, misguided beliefs in fake news can incite unnecessary panic. He emphasized the need for scrutiny of journalistic media as well. Arto Alho, a language teacher, believes that students’ media literacy skills are often underestimated, although recognizing one-source information as potentially biased poses a challenge.

Ahonen also highlighted that changes in the media landscape present risks related to security and stability. She pointed out a recent incident in the UK, where intentionally spread lies on social media about a stabbing suspect incited far-right riots, stating, “Democracy cannot exist without media literacy.”

The implementation of media literacy handbooks in classrooms is at the discretion of teachers, and feedback indicates they will not simply collect dust. Ahonen remarked that at this moment, fostering media literacy is more important than ever.