The aim of the project “Young Citizens Monitor Media and Improve Public Debate” was to increase the level of young people’s engagement in public life by developing their media, civic, and social competences, as well as by creating opportunities for their active participation in public debate. The project addressed identified needs related to the low level of critical thinking among young people, limited ability to recognize manipulation and disinformation in the media, and insufficient engagement of youth in democratic processes. In the context of the growing role of media – including social media – in shaping public opinion, it was particularly important to equip young people with the tools necessary for conscious and responsible use of information. The main objectives of the project included: - developing critical thinking skills and the ability to analyze media content among young people aged 15–18, - deepening knowledge and practical skills in media monitoring, as well as recognizing manipulation, propaganda, and disinformation among young people aged 19–30, - strengthening civic attitudes by engaging young people in participatory activities, including contact with decision-makers and involvement in public debate, - developing social competences such as empathy, dialogue skills, and cooperation within diverse groups, - increasing young people’s sense of agency and their perceived influence on the surrounding reality, - creating tangible educational and social outcomes, such as a map of civic media in Poland and a brochure counteracting disinformation. An important objective of the project was also to test and further develop innovative methods of media education, including the use of the board game “The Fourth Power” as a teaching tool, as well as to create a space for learning by doing, where participants not only acquired knowledge but also applied it in practice through media monitoring and the creation of educational materials. The project also aimed to build lasting relationships between young people, civil society organizations, educational institutions, and decision-makers, contributing to strengthening intergenerational dialogue and increasing youth participation in decision-making processes. From the perspective of the applicant organization, the project also aimed to further develop and disseminate previously created educational tools and methods of working with young people, as well as to increase the scale and impact of activities related to media education and the improvement of public debate in Poland.