In today’s world, technological advances bring both opportunities and dangers. For centuries, people have learned how to protect their homes and personal belongings, but safeguarding our digital presence is a new challenge. Teaching the younger generation about digital safety is crucial, and one of the most engaging ways to do this is through non-formal learning, such as Erasmus+ youth exchanges.
From April 19th to 29th in Kaunas, Lithuania, the Youth Exchange “Digital – New Level of Safety” was organised by Einzigartige Projekte e.V. together with hosting partners Lithuanian association “Neribota ateitis” and other partner organisations. Young people from Germany, Lithuania, Greece, Slovakia, Poland and Romania gathered to learn about digital safety and cybersecurity, sharing knowledge and experiences in an engaging environment.
For those unfamiliar with the youth exchange concept, it is an Erasmus+ programme funded project where people from across Europe come together for 5 to 21 days (depending on the project) to learn about various topics in a non-formal way. These exchanges focus on fostering cultural understanding, enhancing personal development, and tackling contemporary issues through interactive methods. This particular project’s focus was on digital safety and how to protect oneself from online threats.
Each national team prepared a presentation about online safety practices in their country, sharing new initiatives and government measures to prevent cyber threats. This sharing of diverse perspectives enriched the participants’ understanding and highlighted the varying approaches to digital safety across Europe. Participants delved into the latest GDPR regulations, analysed cyberstalking cases, and enhanced their problem-solving, creative thinking, and teamwork skills. Additionally, they conducted surveys with local people, asking questions related to online behaviour, internet safety and data protection. This not only raised awareness about internet safety but also promoted the Erasmus+ programme in local community.
The mobility included workshops and discussions on current digital threats such as online purchasing fraud, identity theft. Through analysis and simulations, participants experienced real-world scenarios where they had to identify and mitigate cyber threats, reinforcing their learning through practical application.
The project successfully fostered a collaborative learning environment, emphasizing the importance of protecting oneself online and equipping participants with practical tools and strategies to share this knowledge with their communities. The hands-on activities, combined with the theoretical knowledge, provided a comprehensive learning experience that participants found both informative and engaging.
Participants expressed that the project was highly informative and interesting. For some, it was their first experience with an Erasmus+ exchange, while others were participants repeating such experience for several times. Regardless of their prior experience, all agreed that Erasmus+ exchanges are invaluable for bringing people together to share ideas and learn new things in a non-formal way. The friendships and networks formed during these exchanges often continue long after the projects end.
“Digital – New Level of Safety” youth exchange in Kaunas highlighted the critical importance of digital safety in today’s world. By combining diverse perspectives, practical activities, the exchange not only educated participants about cybersecurity but also empowered them to become advocates for digital safety in their own communities. This approach ensures that the knowledge and skills gained are disseminated widely, contributing to a safer digital environment for all.
The project is co-funded by European Union Erasmus+ programme.
More information and practical online behaviour tips and tools discussed during exchange can be found on organisers Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/einzigartige.projekte. Follow us for more news!
