Youth participation: co-creating the Insafe network | IGF 2023

Knowledge Graph of Debate

Session report

Niels Van Paemel

ChildFocus, an proactive community service organisation, has initiated a variety of programmes purposed to enhance online safety, mitigate child exploitation, and raise awareness about online grooming. Among these, the Cybersquad initiative is a peer-to-peer platform facilitating the sharing of experiences and advice amongst young individuals. Recognising a growing tendency in children’s preference for online chat over traditional helpline services, this platform enables direct contact with a Child Focus counsellor via a help button in more serious cases.

The organisation has also launched Groomics, an educational tool specifically developed in response to the increasing phenomenon of online grooming. This aims to empower young people by highlighting the potential risks and benefits of online relationships, enabling children to discern signs of online grooming and equipping them with the knowledge to decline these advances.

Additionally, ChildFocus has introduced the MAX principle, which offers children an opportunity to select a trusted individual with whom they can discuss their online issues. Through the MAX principle campaign, children are able to send an official invitation to their chosen confidant, thus fostering a sense of security enhancing safety in their digital experiences.

Recognising the crucial need for inclusive online safety measures, ChildFocus has placed particular emphasis on children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Revisions were made to their web content after it was deemed complex and overwhelming for ASD children. The organisation thus made adjustments to their content to make it more comprehensible and inclusive. The Star Plus tool was specifically co-created to help ASD children recognise online red flags, catering widely to their unique challenges in the online sphere.

ChildFocus has, nonetheless, encountered challenges achieving reach with ‘shy kids’ or those from less advantaged backgrounds. By highlighting the ‘Matthew effect,’ where resources tend to contribute more significantly to those already privileged, the organisation illustrates the struggle for inclusive education. Emphasising the importance of awareness and persistent efforts in reaching out to these children, they assertively advocate for daily commitment in this regard.

Additionally, ChildFocus encourages international collaborations for sharing online safety best practices and resources across countries, to facilitate mutual learning, prevent redundant efforts, and enable effective localisation to meet diverse national needs. Resources such as the Star Plus tool are shared on the InSafe network, through which translations are provided for wider accessibility. This reinforces the significance of international partnerships in driving online safety efforts globally.

In conclusion, ChildFocus’s efforts highlight the essential elements of child-focused, inclusive, and collaborative drives in promoting online safety. This provides a blueprint for other organisations and countries to adopt whilst acknowledging the potential obstacles that might be encountered in these endeavors.

Anna Rywczyńska

The Polish Safer Internet Centre is making substantial efforts to support refugees, particularly those displaced due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, by incorporating them into their internet safety campaigns. This pursuit is significant, especially considering the huge influx of 16 million Ukrainian refugees who have crossed the Polish border since the start of the crisis, with about 1 million residing in Poland. A prime example of the Centre’s integration efforts involves approximately 200,000 Ukrainian children who are currently attending Polish schools.

Additionally, the Centre is proactive in its focus on language accessibility and mental health support for refugees. The organisation enables remote connectivity to events, which are translated into Ukrainian, thereby dismantling language barriers. Furthermore, they have taken the extra step to recruit professionals for their helpline, including consultants and psychologists fluent in the Ukrainian language, which greatly enhances their ability to assist Ukrainian refugees efficiently and effectively.

To tackle the significant issue of disinformation and fabricated news around the conflict, the Polish Safer Internet Centre has established a dedicated department. NASK, an essential part of the Centre, is tasked with combating disinformation and fake news, thereby contributing substantially to efforts towards promoting peace, justice, and sturdy institutions.

Moreover, the Centre is heavily invested in youth empowerment by providing platforms for them to express their perspectives. These platforms include competitions where entrants are encouraged to submit videos that represent their generation’s views.

The Centre also ensures that the youth are well-represented in the pan-European youth panel meetings, thus playing a part in ensuring youth representation in conversations on peace, justice, and strong institutions as well as efforts to address inequality.

In conclusion, the Polish Safer Internet Centre’s concerted efforts to assist Ukrainian refugees and their strategic emphasis on youth empowerment underscore their commitment to the Goals of Quality Education, Good Health and Well-being, Reduced Inequalities, and Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. These initiatives illustrate the potential of technological platforms as a tool for positive change and inclusive growth.

Sabrina Vorbau

The necessity of youth participation in creating a safer internet is a pivotal aspect that resonates across all discussions. The significance of youth input extends undeniably to the formulation of policies and strategies to maximise internet safety. An exemplar of this is the Better Internet for Kids Strategy Plus (BIK+). This strategy was not merely devised with the contributions of young individuals but continues to uphold its relevance through sustained engagement. It encourages youth to voice their perspectives at annual events such as the Safer Internet Forum.

However, youth participation is not a sporadic occurrence. It necessitates ongoing engagement and follow-up, reinforcing the principle that effective youth involvement mandates authentic engagement and substantive opportunities. A salient example of such democratic participation is the proactive involvement of young people in the organisation of the Safer Internet Forum, moulding the programme from its inception.

Alongside general participation, it’s worth highlighting the empowerment of young individuals who have already received training within their respective communities. This notably involves youth ambassadors. Consider the youth ambassador from Malta who utilised his network to disseminate the event link to his classmates and his more introverted peers. This act exemplifies how empowering local youth can effectively represent even the less outgoing children and serve as a strong voice for all.

Addressing the understanding that children do not necessarily need to present on stage, the strategy underscores the importance of incorporating even the more introverted children indirectly. Youth ambassadors, as representatives, feel an inherent responsibility to mimic the voices of their peers. This approach ensures that every child, irrespective of their demeanour, contributes to shaping a safer internet environment.

In conclusion, youth participation is not only essential in realising a safer internet but is also instrumental in achieving several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These include Quality Education (SDG 4), Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9), as well as Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (SDG 16). Any dialogue on internet safety or policy creation remains incomplete without youth involvement, thereby highlighting its unparalleled significance.

Moderator 1

In today’s digital age, the vulnerability of children is a mounting concern, particularly in relation to online safety. This vulnerability may be exacerbated by various factors, including poverty, disability, mental health issues, abuse or neglect, family breakdown, discrimination, and social exclusion, which encompasses migration as well. Moreover, we must consider the inherent vulnerability that all children share as they navigate a world in which decisions affecting them are predominantly made by adults who may not fully comprehend the implications of digital technologies on children’s lives.

Though the situation may seem dire, there is a glimmer of hope, emanating from initiatives such as the New European Strategy for a Better Internet for Kids. Adopted by the European Commission in May 2022, this updated version of the 2012 BIG strategy aims to keep abreast with technological developments, placing children’s digital participation, empowerment, and protection at its core. The intention is to shape a digital environment that is both safe and nurturing for children.

Simultaneously, there is a growing, assertive view favouring children’s inclusion in decision-making processes concerning their rights and safety in the digital world. This perspective underscores the necessity to acknowledge that children, living in an rapidly evolving digital world, may have unique needs and rights. Not involving them in these decisions could result in protective measures that fall short of meeting their needs accurately.

To summarise, whilst we must confront the increased risks and challenges faced by children in the online world, there are effective strategies, like the Better Internet for Kids, that represent a silver lining. Moreover, the firm stance advocating children’s involvement in decision-making processes suggests progressive change. Nonetheless, it is paramount to adapt continuously to the rapidly changing digital landscape, ensuring children are not only safe but also empowered in their digital interactions.

Audience

Cybercrime and bullying in Lebanese schools are drastically escalating, with a disquieting report from Lebanon’s internal security forces signalling a surge in cybercrimes by over 100%. This uptick has provoked schools to request sessions on bullying and violence, underscoring the urgent necessity for attention and action.

Non-profit organisation, Justice Without Frontiers, is taking forward steps to confront these pressing issues. They offer legal consultation for girls affected by online sexual harassment, a regrettable and increasingly common output of the cybercrime increase. Furthermore, they have delivered awareness sessions to approximately 1,700 students, accentuating the crucial role of education in instigating change.

Nonetheless, this progress is hampered by a major hurdle: the scarcity of educational resources on cyber security and bullying in Arabic. This language obstacle hinders effective education and communication, compelling educators to rely on secondary resources like YouTube films and online games to engage with students.

In a more positive vein, there are concerted efforts to involve younger demographics in global discussions. The Internet Governance Forum (IGF), a distinguished international platform for policy discourse, is fostering an inviting environment for newcomers, showcasing instances of inclusivity in their dialogues. Moreover, the IGF’s Dynamic Teen Coalition offers an exceptional opportunity for young people to shape internet governance, ensuring their voices are valued and their viewpoints taken into account.

Despite these developments, the demand for inclusivity expands beyond these platforms. It’s suggested that only empowering outspoken children is not enough. The requirement is to also connect with the shy, reticent and less assertive children, so their needs and rights are not neglected. This perspective is backed by Amy Crocker from ECPAT International, a network battling child sexual exploitation, who stresses that focusing on these marginalized children is essential for authentic empowerment and inclusivity.

In conclusion, while Lebanon grapples with a rise in cybercrime and bullying, numerous endeavours are underway to manage these challenges and uplift youth—from awareness initiatives to inclusive international forums. However, roadblocks persist, with language limitations being a dominant issue, and calls for inclusivity emphasising the empowerment of quiet children. These insights offer valuable pathways for future undertakings in the dual domains of cyber safety and children’s rights.

Boris Radanovic

This comprehensive review underscores the critical relevance of youth empowerment, and their role in advocating for online safety and children’s rights. The argument is founded on the premise that ‘the voice of the youth is the voice of the future,’ urging for recognition and enhanced amplification. So far, over 5,000 digital leaders, actively contributing to their school communities, have been educated. Their role has been instrumental in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 and 16, related to quality education, peace, justice, and strong institutions, respectively.

However, the analysis also reveals a troubling fact that children are five times less likely to confide in a trusted adult when they encounter precarious situations online, opting instead to turn to their peers. This highlights the absence of trusted adults and the necessity for safer online environments for children.

Notably, the success of peer-to-peer education is emphasised. Through partnerships between the UK Safer Internet Centre and ChildNet International, a programme has been created to educate thousands of digital leaders across school communities. Additionally, the data suggests that it is vital for children to have the confidence to speak out about online safety issues. This indicates a need for comprehensive online safety programmes that not only enhance safety but promote understanding and advocacy among children.

Regrettably, the discourse uncovers that children with accessibility issues or special education needs, and those from minority groups, are significantly more susceptible to online abuse. This aligns with the aspirations of SDGs 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and 9.c (Increase access to ICT), acting as a call to action for inclusive and accessible online spaces.

Furthermore, this detailed analysis accentuates the essence of community’s collective responsibility. A multi-stakeholder approach centred on education can be key to ensuring children’s protection online. Engagement with minority, disability and ability groups is necessary for understanding and addressing their unique needs, thereby fostering the creation of truly inclusive online spaces.

Finally, the importance of utilising technology that facilitates equal, anonymous participation is recognised, given its adaptability to various roles within an environment. Educational providers are thus tasked with keeping learner engagement inclusive and participatory.

In conclusion, this extensive analysis paints a complex picture of the digital landscape, intertwining youth empowerment, increased safety measures, and the strategic importance of education. The key to developing holistic and inclusive online spaces that fuel both individual growth and societal advancement lies in tactfully merging these strands.

Moderator 2

Young people are not only actively involved in digital communication initiatives, but are also encouraging and facilitating engagement amongst their peers. This positive trend supports two pivotal UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Quality Education (SDG 4) and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), emphasising the positive impact of youth engagement in these areas.

One notable observation from this participation is that children and young individuals appear to find it easier to converse and liaise with their peers rather than adults in this field. This shift indicates an intriguing change in communication dynamics, with potential ramifications for the development of educational strategies and initiatives targeting young people.

Moreover, there is firm belief in the efficacy and potential of youth involvement in digital awareness programmes. As a case in point, the consultative youth programme at Portugal’s Safer Internet Centre demonstrates the substantial commitment of young people towards enhancing internet safety, a key element of digital awareness.

Significant reference was made to the In Safe Structure programme, identified as a best-practice example. Again, the devotion shown by young people towards the cause, as well as their active participation is emphasised. The impact of these initiatives highlights the importance of youth participation, and serves as a compelling testament to their potential contribution to a safer, more inclusive digital environment.

In conclusion, youth engagement plays a pivotal role in digital education and the shaping of a more inclusive digital future. The insights provided by these analyses point towards a burgeoning paradigm where young people are not merely recipients of digital knowledge but are increasingly integral to its creation and distribution.

Deborah Vassallo

The crucial role of young individuals in discussions surrounding online safety has been showcased effectively by the Safer Internet Centre. Actively involving young individuals in operations such as hotline helpline discussions has proven beneficial. Young people not only assist with helpline calls, gaining a profound understanding of online safety issues, but also participate in the creation of materials for the Safer Internet Centre, providing valuable consultations. This youth involvement aligns with the objectives of SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

The importance of producing positive digital content, alongside understanding online risks, is further emphasised through initiatives like the ‘Rights for You live-in’ annual event. During this gathering, young individuals were granted the opportunity to interact with content creators and craft their own digital content. A notable outcome was a video created by these young people for Safer Internet Day activities, which highlighted their online experiences.

Moreover, the argument for offering young people decision-making roles in activities related to online safety is strongly supported. Evidence of this is seen as the entire coordination of all Safer Internet Day activities was entrusted to young individuals. They were also brought into deeper-level discussions on issues related to online safety, and their creations for Safer Internet Day were disseminated broadly across schools.

However, the analysis also brings forth the concern for children in residential and foster care who are considered more vulnerable to online harm. Their use of online chats to seek understanding and love due to their disadvantaged situations is a significant concern. This sentiment is associated with SDG 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children.

Nonetheless, there’s a sense of optimism spurred by the actions taken by the Safer Internet Centre to protect these vulnerable children. Initiatives such as inviting them to ‘Rise for You live-ins’ sessions, conducting practical workshops about privacy and online chat safety at children’s homes, and providing an express helpline for those experiencing online harm, underscore the Centre’s commitment towards providing immediate help and education about online safety.

In conclusion, the endeavours of the Safer Internet Centre offer a hopeful sentiment for the progression of online safety measures. This comprehensive involvement of youth along with initiatives for vulnerable children recognises and addresses the complexity of online safety issues, providing a balanced approach towards creating a safer online environment for all.

Speakers