The Directorate for Digital Literacy and Transversal Skills (DDLTS) within the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation (MEYR) is advancing its commitment to online safety and media literacy through an innovative theatrical project that formed part of Playcon 2025, held over the weekend (9-12th October 2025).
The Directorate is creatively addressing several ongoing deliverables within the electoral manifesto promise (EMP) related to online safety, fake news, and digital awareness through performance and the arts.
In collaboration with the Malta School of Visual and Performing Arts, the DDLTS presented a theatre piece titled Fake News, written by Simone Spiteri and directed by Karl Cassar. The performance explores the spread of misinformation in a school setting, where a rumour spirals out of control, reflecting how fake news can distort truth, shape perceptions, and impact lives.
Through this initiative, the Directorate is fulfilling key objectives aimed at:
- 01 – Continuing to contribute to the BeSmartOnline! programme, which promotes safe and responsible use of digital platforms.
- 02 – Raising awareness about fake news and misinformation across schools and educational programmes.
- 03 – Developing an educational campaign aimed at encouraging critical and responsible online behaviour.
- 05 – Introducing awareness sessions in schools, targeting both students and parents to promote dialogue about online safety and digital wellbeing.
The performance at Playcon 2025 used storytelling to highlight the importance of critical thinking, empathy, and digital responsibility. The play will now be professionally filmed and developed into a learning resource to support ongoing educational efforts in schools.
This project reflects the DDLTS’s ongoing commitment to equip both learners and students with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the online world safely and intelligently, combining creativity, education, and digital awareness in a powerful and engaging way.
