Scotland calls for urgent media-literacy overhaul

What's happened

Young Scotland-based reporters have urged the incoming government to embed up-to-date digital media literacy in schools, publish a digital communications manifesto, and reinforce online safety and transparency to combat mis- and disinformation ahead of Holyrood’s new session.

What's behind the headline?

Critical Analysis

The piece frames media literacy as an essential democratic skill rather than an optional add-on, urging government partnerships with educators and youth groups.
It highlights a perceived gap between young voters’ engagement and political representation, tying turnout to trust in democratic processes.
The manifesto advocates concrete steps: clear labelling of political content, stronger safeguarding, transparency in online political advertising, and greater youth participation tools.
This update signals a push for policy commitments that could influence Scotland’s digital education and online governance, potentially shaping how future campaigns are run.
Readers should watch for government responsiveness and the practical rollout of “Future Proof” recommendations across schools and civic platforms.

How we got here

Future Proof, run by the Scottish Youth Film Foundation and backed by Full Fact, has interviewed politicians and experts in the run-up to voting day. The reporters argue that a more proactive, education-led approach to media literacy and online safety is needed as the online information landscape evolves rapidly.

Our analysis

The Scotsman: Amy Watson, report on Future Proof manifesto; quotes from Tom Mitchell Sadler and Scott Mackay. The article notes the 52% turnout and calls for practical digital-education policies. Source date: 17 May 2026.

Go deeper

What specific digital-literacy changes are being proposed for schools?
How might the government implement the manifesto across Scotland's education system?
Will there be monitoring on online political advertising and algorithm transparency?