Ireland’s education system must do more to help young people navigate misinformation, social division and growing global uncertainty, the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Youth has heard.
Appearing before the Committee this week, IDEA – the Irish Development Education Association – a network of more than 100 organisations and educators working across schools, youth work, community education and higher education – called for stronger investment and better coordination across government to ensure education keeps pace with the realities facing young people today.
IDEA warned that young people are growing up in a world shaped by climate breakdown, war and conflict, rising geopolitical tensions, inequality and increasingly polarised online spaces where misinformation and disinformation can spread rapidly through online platforms and algorithms.
The organisation said education must go beyond the transfer of information and help young people develop the critical thinking, confidence and civic understanding needed to navigate an increasingly complex world.
IDEA said young people are now absorbing global crises in real time through social media, often without the tools to process misinformation, disinformation, and deeply polarised narratives.
Speaking following the meeting, IDEA CEO Ruairí McKiernan said:
“Young people are growing up in the shadow of war, climate instability, online polarisation and deepening social division. They are trying to make sense of events that can feel overwhelming and chaotic.
“Education has to help them navigate that reality – not by telling them what to think, but by helping them think critically, question misinformation and engage constructively with the increasingly complex world around them.”
McKiernan said that while Ireland has strong policy commitments around sustainability, global development and climate action, there is a growing gap between ambition and delivery.
“Ireland is widely recognised at EU level for its work in this area, but despite advances, the scale of delivery still falls far short of what this moment demands.”
“There is excellent work happening across schools, colleges, youth services and communities around the country, reaching learners of all ages through formal, informal and non-formal education. The challenge is that it too often remains inconsistent and overly dependent on individual schools, educators or initiatives, rather than being supported through a more coordinated national approach across government.”
IDEA members work across Development Education, Global Citizenship Education and Education for Sustainable Development – approaches that help learners engage with issues including peace, conflict, democracy, inequality, global justice and climate action, while developing the critical thinking skills needed to connect local and global issues and take informed action.”
Across Ireland, programmes led by organisations including Trócaire, Concern Worldwide, Global Village, WorldWise Global Schools and ECO-UNESCO are already engaging learners across schools, youth services and community settings throughout the country.
McKiernan stressed that the aim is not to add pressure to an already stretched education system, but to make learning more relevant to the realities people are facing – particularly young people growing up in an increasingly complex and fast-changing world.
“This is not about telling young people what to think. It’s about helping them to think – to question what they see online, understand different perspectives, and engage with the world in an informed and responsible way.
“Increasingly, these are skills that people of all ages need as we navigate a rapidly changing information environment that is only becoming more complex with the rise of AI.”
The organisation also highlighted growing concerns around social cohesion, pointing to rising polarisation, racism and online misinformation as challenges increasingly visible across Irish society.
“We are seeing the damaging effects of division more clearly, both online and within communities. Education has a vital role to play in building understanding, trust and the foundations of democratic participation.
“But this also requires genuine leadership in listening, dialogue and public deliberation – ensuring people feel heard, included and that their voices matter.”
IDEA called on the Minister for Education and Youth and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to jointly prioritise investment and coordination in global citizenship and sustainability education, including stronger alignment across education, youth, climate and international development policy.
The organisation also acknowledged the strong support from Irish Aid and from the Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond, in advancing global development education initiatives.
“What is needed now is greater coordination, stronger cross-government collaboration and sustained investment so that existing good practice can operate at the scale now required.
“We need to see greater ambition across government to build on Ireland’s proud traditions as an outward-looking nation committed to global solidarity, international cooperation and civic participation.”
IDEA also emphasised the importance of supporting educators, many of whom are already engaging with these issues but lack sufficient time, training and long-term resources.
“Teachers and youth workers see the value of this work every day. What they need is the backing to deliver it properly – time, trust and long-term support.”
With Ireland preparing to assume the EU Presidency in July, IDEA said these issues are also closely linked to Ireland’s role within Europe and its commitment to democratic values, human rights and international cooperation.
“This is about the kind of society we want to build – here in Ireland and across Europe. Education that strengthens critical thinking, participation and understanding is essential to tackling the climate crisis and to ensuring a strong and vibrant democracy.”
Despite the challenges, IDEA said there are strong foundations to build on and significant work already happening across Ireland.
“At a time when division, distrust and misinformation are growing, investing in education that builds understanding, critical thinking, and participation can no longer be treated as an add-on.
“It is essential to building a resilient, democratic and inclusive society.”