In today’s digital age, the ability to critically analyze and responsibly engage with digital media is essential. Young people spend a significant amount of their time online, exposed to a constant flow of information. While the internet provides countless opportunities for learning, social interaction, and self-expression, it also presents risks such as misinformation, digital manipulation, cyberbullying, and online radicalization. These risks can have serious consequences on young people's mental well-being, social behavior, and perception of the world around them. With the rapid rise of fake news, disinformation campaigns, and algorithm-driven content, it is becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish between credible sources and misleading information. This lack of critical engagement leads to the spread of harmful stereotypes, distrust in institutions, and disengagement from civic life, especially among young people. According to Eurostat, in 2023, 97% of young people aged 16 to 29 in the EU reported using the internet daily, compared to 86% of the total population https://tinyurl.com/2p3dwe5w, seen 05-01-2025). Young people are more active online than older generations, yet only a fraction of them use the internet for civic or political participation: (https://tinyurl.com/3c56sz4u, seen 05-01-2025). This highlights a gap between youth's digital presence and their critical engagement with online content, which has implications for their role as active citizens. Moreover, participation in online social networks among young people is remarkably high. In 2023, 83% of EU youth actively participated in social networking, with Cyprus leading the trend at 98%( https://tinyurl.com/3c56sz4u, seen 05-01-2025). Despite these high numbers, the digital literacy levels among youth are not sufficient to effectively navigate the online world, particularly when it comes to recognizing disinformation or participating meaningfully in digital civic life. The European Commission's digital strategy highlights that empowering people with digital skills is crucial to building an inclusive and resilient society: https://tinyurl.com/4xk5y9u4, seen 05-01-2025). However, young people with fewer opportunities – such as those from economically or socially disadvantaged backgrounds – are particularly vulnerable to the negative impacts of digital media. These individuals often lack the necessary skills to critically evaluate the information they consume, making them more susceptible to misinformation and manipulation (https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained, seen 05-01-2025). Partner organizations involved in this project, through the youth work practice, have observed similar challenges in their communities. In Cyprus, Italy, Portugal. Italy, Greece, Romania, Bulgaria and Czech Republic young people face barriers to accessing digital literacy education, particularly those from rural areas and socio-economically disadvantaged families. Many youth workers and educators have noted that youngsters with fewer opportunities lack media and digital literacy skills, making them less likely to participate actively in society or engage in civic initiatives. Improving both media and digital literacy is essential for helping young people identify credible information, understand biases, and effectively use digital tools for positive social change. Without these skills, they risk becoming passive consumers of information. This project aims to empower youth to critically engage with digital content, resist disinformation, and actively participate in democratic processes. By fostering critical thinking skills and enhancing digital literacy, the project will address the growing need for both media and digital literacy education in youth work. AIM: to develop media and digital literacy skills among young people, including those with fewer opportunities, seeking to help them become responsible and informed digital citizens until the end of the project. OBJECTIVES: 1. To raise awareness among young people about the impact of both digital media on society and their role as responsible digital citizens. 2. To develop practical media literacy skills that enable young people to critically evaluate online content. 3. To promote the responsible and ethical use of digital platforms to encourage civic and social participation among youth. 4. To foster social inclusion by empowering young people with fewer opportunities to participate in digital civic life. Through non-formal activities, participants will learn to identify disinformation, assess online sources, and use digital tools for active participation. The project will help to reduce misinformation and empower youth, particularly those with fewer opportunities, to engage in social and political life. By the end, participants will gain media literacy skills and confidence to use digital platforms, contributing to a more informed and responsible generation of young Europeans.