Norwegian students talk more than before about politics, social issues and what is happening in other countries. However, an international survey shows they know less about democracy and citizenship than before.
– These results worry me. Democracy is under pressure in many countries, including Norway. Preparing students to participate in democracy is one of the most important social missions of schools, says Minister of Education Kari Nessa Nordtun and adds:
– Among other things, today's youth unfortunately get their news largely through media controlled by algorithms, rather than through media controlled by editors. This places new demands on the school.
The international ICCS study measures how well ninth-grade students are prepared to actively participate in society, such as voting or expressing their opinions in debates in society.
The study shows that Norwegian 14-year-olds still know more about democracy and citizenship than the average student in other countries. However, for the first time Norwegian results are weaker. Norway saw the biggest decline of the 15 countries that also took part in the previous survey. The percentage of students who achieve results at a low level of knowledge is clearly increasing.
– We have great ambitions when it comes to student learning. Unfortunately, many studies show that, among other things, reading skills have deteriorated in recent years. This study on democracy is another arrow pointing in the wrong direction and we need to take it seriously, says Nordtun.
Social media is becoming a more important arena for consumption
Today's young people are growing up in a society where technology has made social media and the flow of information completely different than it was just a few years ago. Researchers responsible for the ICCS report indicate that social media are becoming an increasingly important arena for news consumption by young people. They also indicate that part of the decline in knowledge among Norwegian students between 2016 and 2022 is due to weakened motivation for tests and school.
– There may be many reasons for changing students' motivation. An important question is whether the school is adapted well enough to the social changes that have taken place in recent years with the development of social media and the activities that students are now interested in, says Morten Rosenkvist from the Education Directorate
Low knowledge of democracy may, among other things, make young people more easily victims of manipulation through, for example, fake news.
– It is even more important than before that the school helps ensure that students receive balanced information. It is critical that fake news and anti-democratic views are met with research-based knowledge and critical thinking. We have a long way to go and have initiated a number of actions to strengthen understanding of democracy, says Nordtun.
In the fall of 2020, the school received new curricula, and democracy and citizenship are now one of three interdisciplinary topics.
– I think this is an important step that has not yet had its full effect, says Nordtun.
In addition, the government recently awarded additional money to TENK, which creates educational programs for schools about propaganda and false information. They teach courses and lectures to schools across the country on source criticism and critical thinking.
– We have also set up a committee to look closely at the use of screens in schools and advise on measures. We already know that screens affect children's reading skills and concentration, which in turn is important for learning about democracy, says Nordtun.
Great trust in political institutions, each other and the media
The study shows that Norwegian 14-year-olds have high levels of trust in political institutions, each other and the media. Trust has increased significantly since 2016. Norwegian students therefore stand out from the main trend in most other ICCS countries, where trust has generally declined.
– In a shared school, students from different backgrounds meet in the same classes. I believe this is the strength of our society. Mutual trust reduces the differences between us, and the school gives children and youth equal opportunities for community and development, says Nordtun.
In Norway and Sweden, the highest percentage of students say they are involved in decision-making processes about how the school is run.
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Source: regjeringen
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