Week of media literacy: these organizations work for media literacy.

Week of media literacy: these organizations work for media literacy.

From 6 to 13 November it is media literacy week. This year healthy screen use is central. Where can you go for information and help? Various organizations help parents, children and schools to deal with media more consciously. 

Just watching a video, playing a game or quickly sending a message. Before you know it, you have been on a screen much longer than you planned. During media literacy week there is extra attention for healthy screen use. But media literacy is about more than screen time. It is also about safe, critical and conscious use of media. In this article you will find organizations that help parents, schools and children with this. 

Media literacy network organizes the campaign 

Media literacy week is an annual campaign of the media literacy network. During the campaign week, there are activities throughout the country and extra information is available. Media literacy network for example, offers an online toolkit with posters, images and practical tips. Parents and professionals can use these materials to start the conversation about screen use. 

The tips for healthy screen use are available in different languages, including English, French, Turkish, Polish and Ukrainian. 

Image & sound: learning about media 

Image & sound is one of the organizations behind the media literacy network and plays an important role in the campaign. Image & sound manages one of the largest media archives in the world. It stores all kinds of media, from TV shows and podcasts to video games and messages on social media. 

But Image & sound does more than store media. The organization also helps schools, children and parents to better understand and use media consciously. They have workshops for teachers and schools and contributed to the MediaMasters initiative.  

MediaMasters is an interactive game for students in groups 5 to 8. Children work on tasks and questions about media. For example, they learn about online behavior, privacy, fake news and their rights on the internet. 

Mediasmarties: tips for media education 

Mediasmarties helps parents to make conscious choices in their children’s media use. On the website you will find tips and ideas about reading, watching, listening and playing. This is not only about screens, but also about activities without screens, indoors and outdoors. 

In the online guide, parents find inspiration for media that fits the age and development of their child. In addition, Mediasmarties organizes parent evenings, webinars and training sessions. The organization helps parents to discover media together with their children. 

Kennisnet: information about media and education 

Not only at home, but also at school digital media play a large role. Students use computers, tablets and other digital tools to learn and find information. 

Kennisnet supports schools with using ICT in education. The organization helps schools to make good choices about digitalization. There is attention for digital literacy, privacy, safety and the influence of technology on education. 

Kennisnet focuses especially on schools, school governing bodies and education professionals. Parents can use the website as a reliable source to read more about digital developments in education. 

The royal library and public libraries 

The royal library is the national library of the Netherlands. The royal library supports public libraries with projects that help people participate digitally in society. One example is digital citizenship: learning how to deal with digital information and media safely and consciously. 

The library is therefore an accessible place to learn more about digital skills. Many public libraries organize workshops, meetings and activities for different ages. Ask your local library or check the website to see what activities are available. 

Schools also have a role 

Healthy screen use is not just a task for parents. Not every family has the same possibilities, time or knowledge to guide children at home with their media use. Access to a good internet connection and digital skills also play a role. 

Schools can contribute by making clear agreements about using digital tools. For example, mobile phones are not allowed during lessons, unless they are needed for the lesson or for medical reasons. Schools can also pay attention to media literacy. How do you recognize fake news? How do you use social media safely? And how much time do you spend on a screen at school? 

By paying attention to media literacy both at home and at school, children get the chance to develop digital skills in different places. 

Free webinar for parents on 12 November 

Do you want to know more about healthy screen use? On Thursday 12 November 2026 local libraries and Mediasmarties will organize a free national webinar for (grand)parents with children aged 6 to 12 years. The webinar is organized in cooperation with MediaMasters and the media literacy network. 

During the webinar you will get information and practical ideas about the choices you can make as a parent. The webinar takes place online from 20.00 to 21.00.