Overview

• A special analysis of the latest Pisa study found that only 47% of German students feel capable of evaluating the quality of online information, below the OECD average of 51%.
• While 69% of German students reported ease in finding information online, many lack the ability to critically assess its accuracy or reliability.
• Nearly 40% of German students do not verify the accuracy of online content before sharing it on social media, compared to 28% in the OECD average.
• Digital literacy challenges are compounded by limited access to digital tools in schools and a lack of confidence in teachers' digital competence, with only 50% of students rating their teachers as proficient in using digital devices.
• Experts warn that inadequate critical thinking skills around online information can lead to increased vulnerability to misinformation, societal polarization, and challenges to democratic values.