In February 2023, a youth worker from Belgium had the opportunity to participate in the Erasmus+ project “Countering Cyber-Aggression,” held in Berlin, Germany. Organized to address one of the most pressing issues of today’s digital era, the project focused on helping youth workers understand, prevent, and respond to cyber-aggression. This includes forms like cyberbullying, online hate, and digital harassment. As part of a diverse group of participants from across Europe, the youth worker representing the NGO ASUL joined this important training to gain practical knowledge and new tools to protect young people online. The experience provided much more than technical skills. It opened up space for reflection, growth, and the development of new strategies that could be applied back home to improve the lives of young people in their communities.
Before joining the training, the youth worker from ASUL was already aware of some of the digital challenges facing young people in Belgium. Over the past few years, cases of online harassment have increased significantly in the country. Social media platforms have become spaces where both connection and conflict exist. While many youth use these platforms to express themselves and stay informed, others face bullying, fake news, and even threats. In schools and youth centers, the topic of online safety is often discussed, but not always with deep understanding or clear strategies. Many educators and parents feel unsure about how to help when online problems arise. Belgium has strong systems for education and youth development, but in the digital world, change happens fast, and it can be difficult to keep up. Youth workers need continuous training and support to be able to respond with confidence.
The training in Berlin came at the right moment. From the very first day, participants were encouraged to explore the complex reality of cyber-aggression. Through practical workshops, case studies, and simulations, they learned how to identify different types of online harassment and the psychological effects they can have on young people. The sessions were not only informative but also very interactive. One important part of the training was a role-play exercise where participants acted out real-life scenarios of cyberbullying and discussed how youth workers could support victims and engage with perpetrators in a responsible way. This made the issue more human and helped participants think critically about both the harm and the solutions.
Another key moment was a group discussion on the importance of media literacy. Many young people spend hours online every day, but not all of them know how to check if information is true or how to behave responsibly in digital spaces. The training introduced useful tools to teach young people how to recognize online manipulation, protect their privacy, and interact in a more respectful and aware manner. Visiting a Berlin-based youth organization that works with local schools on digital behavior was also a highlight. Their work, which includes campaigns and workshops on online respect, inspired the Belgian participant and gave hope that similar actions could be done back home.
When the training ended, the youth worker from ASUL returned to Belgium with a new sense of responsibility and motivation. One of the first actions taken was to design and launch a new workshop series called “Respect Online” in collaboration with local schools and community centers. These workshops focused on helping teenagers understand cyber-aggression, identify harmful behaviors, and learn how to react or support others. Each session was designed to be simple, interactive, and empowering. Instead of long lectures, the youth worker used games, storytelling, and real examples to connect with the group. The materials from Berlin were adapted into local language and adjusted to suit the realities of young people in Belgium.
The first group of participants showed strong interest and engagement. Many of them shared their own experiences and said it was the first time they had spoken openly about online problems. Some said they had been bullied in group chats but did not know what to do. Others realized they had repeated things online that could hurt someone else without thinking much about it. The workshop helped open these conversations and made young people more sensitive to their online behavior. It also taught them how to report abuse, protect their data, and support friends who may be struggling. Teachers and parents were invited to the final part of the workshop to join the discussion and learn how to be part of the solution.
As the weeks passed, “Respect Online” began to grow. More schools requested the sessions, and ASUL received support from local municipalities who saw the value in prevention and education. The workshops also reached youth groups from migrant communities, where digital risks are sometimes even higher due to lack of resources or support. The program became a bridge not only between youth and technology, but also between generations and cultures. It helped build trust, communication, and shared responsibility. Young people began using their voices to lead small campaigns, create posters, and even start peer support groups at school.
The impact of the Erasmus+ training in Berlin was clearly visible. The knowledge gained there was not just written down in a report or forgotten after the event. It became part of daily youth work, shaping new approaches and inspiring real change. The youth worker from ASUL now regularly shares insights and tools from the training with colleagues across Belgium and joins discussions on policy and digital safety in youth forums. There are also plans to collaborate with organizations from the Berlin project again, creating a network of youth workers who are united in the fight against cyber-aggression.
This journey shows that with the right tools, training, and support, youth workers can become strong protectors and guides in the digital world. The digital space should not be a place of fear or silence. It should be a place of creativity, connection, and growth. Young people deserve to feel safe online, just as they do in the physical world. Programs like “Countering Cyber-Aggression” are essential in building this kind of future.
The long-term vision remains clear. Youth have the potential to be powerful changemakers, especially when they are aware, informed, and supported. Through small steps, like workshops, open conversations, and shared learning, communities can become more resilient and united. ASUL is committed to continuing this work, and the experience in Berlin will always be remembered as a turning point in how youth work in Belgium responds to digital challenges with compassion, action, and courage.