Storied citizenship in the postdigital times : the seen and heard project as a case study in children’s social movement praxis

Abstract

The chapter explores children's citizenship as a present, active condition rather than a deferred status tied to adulthood. It critiques adult-centric frameworks and argues for inclusive civic spaces that recognize children as legitimate social actors. Using the EU-funded project Seen and Heard: Young People's Voices and Freedom of Expression (2023–2026) as a case study, the authors show how collaborative videomaking fosters "storied citizenship"—a practice that amplifies young voices, builds solidarity, and reclaims public space. Situated in postmigrant and postdigital contexts, the project engaged children from diverse backgrounds in Malta, Germany, and Poland, enabling them to articulate experiences of injustice and propose alternatives through creative protest films. The chapter argues that storytelling empowers children to rehearse civic agency and resist exclusion alongside adults. Ultimately, Seen and Heard is framed as a child–adult social movement rooted in care, reciprocity, and solidarity, demonstrating how creative practices can transform civic participation and foster empathy across generations.