For age-appropriate media education in Europe

The ELIANT conference, November 28th about the Agenda for Europe regarding digital competences

Dear Friends of ELIANT,

On 14th September 2017 the European Parliament formally adopted its report on the ‘New Skills Agenda for Europe. We were very pleased that the changes proposed by our ELIANT Alliance partner the European Council for Steiner Waldorf Education ECSWE to secure an age-appropriate approach to media education, were well received!

This decision by the European Parliament provides a good foundation for our ELIANT Conference – what is important now however is its implementation! And that is what the event in Brussels on 28th November will be about.

People who are engaged and socially competent are fundamental to any constructive, democratic progress. Motivation, creativity, empathy and tolerance as well as a willingness to engage actively with social and political issues are capacities that do not develop by themselves. Convincing examples need to be given by adults. Premature access to digital media can have lasting negative effects on brain development and on a person’s inner maturity.

Presentations will be given by Prof. Thomas Fuchs und Prof. Gertraud Teuchert-Noodt who are recognised experts on the theme of media education. The EU Commission’s goals and objectives for education and culture will be presented by EU Directorate General Martine Reicherts, DG Education and Culture. Seven workshops will provide opportunities for deepening and working on the theme and – most importantly – a chance to form a Europe-wide network and discuss further campaigning actions.

We depend on financial support to cover the cost of preparing and running the conference. Since ELIANT is a not-for-profit civil society organisation independent of all economic and political interest groups, every contribution however small is invaluable to us.

With warm thanks from the ELIANT team
Dr. Michaela Glöckler