The Dutch Media Literacy Network (‘Netwerk Mediawijsheid’) is committed to working towards a future where everyone is – or is well on their way towards becoming – media literate. Media literacy allows one to move more easily and more securely through a society in which (online) media play an increasingly important role.

Why invest in media literacy?

Media literacy is becoming increasingly important for a prosperous society and a well-functioning democracy. Media literacy ensures that Dutch citizens can actively participate in society, know how to utilize the opportunities offered by modern media and are aware of the risks inherent therein.

Media literacy is necessary to combat the downsides of (social) media, such as addiction, internet crime, fake news, the violation of privacy, radicalization, online blurring of standards and transgressive behavior. Media literacy also plays an important role in closing the digital divide. Not everyone benefits equally from the digitization and mediatization of society.

What is the Dutch Media Literacy Network?

The network consists of over a thousand organizations committed to media literacy. These include libraries, cultural institutions, media coaches, developers of teaching material, educational publishers, research institutes, IT companies, media producers and platforms, educational institutions and care and welfare organizations.

The network was established as a program in 2008 and is an initiative of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science. Settling on a network for its organizational structure allows the tackling of important media literacy themes in an easier, faster and more creative way. The strength of the network lies in the sharing of knowledge and in cooperation.
Dutch Media Literacy Network is managed by our five core partners:

• Dutch Institute for Sound and Vision
• Kennisnet (expertise centre for ICT in education)
• ECP (an information society platform)
• HUMAN (Dutch public broadcaster)
• KB (National Library of the Netherlands)

These five organizations together are responsible for drawing up and implementing the program’s plans. Together, they take care of organizing the Program Team, which coordinates daily proceedings within the program.

Who are the Network’s efforts in support of?

The misson of the Dutch Media Literacy Network is to foster a society in which everyone is (on their way to being) media literate. Network partners are committed to fostering a society in which everyone is – or is well on their way towards becoming – media literate. We focus on three target groups:

Adolescents – Every Dutch adolescent is (on their way to being) media literate. After finishing middle, high school and potentially higher education as well, they’ll possess the necessary skills to live and work in a media literate way. They’ll be motivated to keep developing these skills over the course of their lives.

Adults – Every Dutch adult is (well on their way to becoming) media literate. They are aware of the importance of media literacy, for both their personal lives and development. They are motivated to continue developing these skills in their home life, their social life, at work et cetera.

Vulnerable groups – Anyone in any sort of vulnerable position when it comes to media usage receives the proper guidance in the field of media literacy. They are media literate, or well on their way to becoming media literate (to the best of their ability), at least to the point where they can move easily and safely in society, possibly with support.
In our Statement on diversity & inclusion we state our intentions and actions to make our work as a netwerk more inclusive. This is necessary to ensure that our impact affects all Dutch citizens.