I V. S H A P I N G D I G I TA L E N V I R O N M E N T S I N S O C I E T Y Our daily lives are in a constant state of flux. Skills that we have acquired in the past, such as particular ways of communicating with each other, operating machinery and devices or sourcing information, are becoming less important as a result of digitisation. In the meantime, new skills must be acquired. Many people consider the changes affecting their daily lives to be a source of great enrichment. Others lack the confidence or the necessary skills to embrace the opportunities offered by these changes. We will therefore engage in debate with the greatest possible number of demographic groups to discuss how we want to live together with the digital transformation. Furthermore, we want to empower all those living in our country, whether young or old, male or female, with or without disabilities, to control their own access to and engagement with the digital daily environment. Many of our citizens are already involved in non-profit making activities for the common good during their spare time. Digitisation also offers new opportunities in this area. The Federal Government will support new ways of allowing citizens to become involved in helping each other using digital technology. 1. Engaging in greater dialogue with social groups Previously, discussions on the social issues related to digitisation have only been held intermittently and within a small group of interested parties. 23 zzThe Federal Government is working to enhance the media and information skills of German citizens, in their various adopted roles. Increasingly, these same citizens are not just users but also creators of media content and data or developers of software. We will set up information platforms with this goal in mind. zzWe want to help children and young people grow up with a positive experience of digital media. We are supporting media education in families by providing information and advice, by promoting age-appropriate media environments and by developing and implementing a coherent and up-to-date policy on protecting minors in the media. To provide this type of up-to-date protection of minors in the media, we are also holding a dialogue with businesses about options for safer default settings (safety by default). In addition, we are inviting young people to become involved in suitable structures for peer support. zzWe are continuing the “An Internet for children” (Ein Netz für Kinder) initiative, which is designed to support interesting, age-appropriate digital services for children. zzAmong older social groups, many people remain scep­ tical of digital developments and their consequences. For this reason, we are reviewing ways of improving the digital media skills of older people in particular and also boosting their confidence in digital developments. We want to include in the discussion those who have not yet voiced their opinion, for whatever reason. Peoples’ concerns and particular requirements will be noted and used constructively to shape the Digital Agenda. We plan to hold the discussions using several different formats, including online and offline events. 3. Making digital participation a reality 2. Strengthening digital media skills for all generations zzWe are improving our citizens’ opportunities to partici- It is our aim that all individuals should be able to develop their full potential in the digital society in a secure, informed and proactive manner. Democracy cannot exist without participation. Digital services play an important role in this regard by fostering enhanced dialogue in the democratic environment, while also providing to information that was often previously difficult to access. pate online. For this purpose, we are supporting public participation platforms based on real-life models and opportunities to participate and become empowered at local authority level, in industry associations, in voluntary and youth work, for men and women, people with disabilities and for all generations.