The Role of Public Libraries in Digital Media Literacy: Fostering Critical Thinking and Online Safety Among Youth

Abstract

Public libraries play a vital role in promoting online safety, digital citizenship, and responsible social media use among youth. Through various initiatives and programs, libraries provide resources, education, and support to help young people navigate the digital landscape safely and ethically. This paper examines the importance of online safety education, the promotion of digital citizenship awareness, and the fostering of social media ethics in public libraries. It also analyzes case studies that highlight the impact and effectiveness of these initiatives. Evaluation methods for assessing the effectiveness and learning outcomes of these programs are discussed. The findings demonstrate that public libraries are essential in empowering youth to become responsible digital citizens.