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The second anniversary of the assault on the U.S. Capitol approaches with the new year, reminding us that it’s critical to help young people understand, contextualize and counter manipulative and harmful disinformation. And because online hate continues to function as a crisis-level threat to democracy, digital literacy and models to prevent and build resilience against extremism must be among contemporary solutions.

“The reality of racism must be honestly confronted for our society to build a more equitable future for all children.” —Ivory A. Toldson, Ph.D.

In an increasingly polarized climate where disinformation is rampant, people need the skills to engage responsibly with digital media. But how can we help young people to withstand this torrent of manipulative disinformation? Start with supporting their mental health and well-being. To teach media literacy, we must also do due diligence to understand the emerging media landscape and recognize the mental health challenges it presents. These Learning for Justice resources provide concrete guidance for supporting and engaging young people as they navigate the current media environment.

Understanding how school discipline policies can contribute to the school-to-prison pipeline is essential for educators and families. Harsh punishments, automatic out-of-class time and police involvement for discipline can push young people out of classrooms and into the criminal legal system. But educators, parents and caregivers can help to change this harmful system by advocating for and implementing practices that prioritize mental health and well-being. 

Polarization is toxic to democracy and limits us — as individuals, organizations and nations — in our ability to respond to the critical needs of today. A culture of dialogue creates opportunities to reach across our differences and to engage one another, which is crucial for strengthening democracy, especially in the face of growing authoritarianism. Embracing a national identity built on democratic values can help us recognize our shared humanity. These Learning for Justice resources can help build understanding to address the questions: What is dialogue across difference?