In April 2025, youth professionals from across Europe gathered in Budapest, Hungary, to participate in the Erasmus+ training course “CyberSafe Youth: Protecting Digital Spaces and Empowering Communities.” The project focused on one of the most pressing challenges of today’s youth work—ensuring that young people are safe, informed, and confident in the digital world. The internet is a powerful space for creativity, education, and connection, but it also comes with serious risks, including misinformation, cyberbullying, data privacy breaches, and identity theft. The project brought together youth workers, educators, and NGO staff with a shared purpose: to strengthen cyber resilience and promote responsible digital behaviors among young people. For the youth worker representing Berek Barátja Egyesület from Hungary, the training was a chance to reflect on the real dangers youth face online and to return home ready to build a safer, more informed digital culture.
Before the training, Hungary was already witnessing a growing concern around online threats affecting young people. Many teenagers and even younger children had access to mobile phones and the internet, but lacked the skills to navigate them safely. Digital literacy in schools was limited, and discussions around data protection or online ethics were rare. In some rural communities, teachers and parents struggled to keep up with fast-moving online trends, while young people were left to figure things out alone. Social media platforms became spaces where bullying, fake news, and harmful content spread quickly. Cases of online harassment, privacy violations, and emotional harm were being reported more often. At the same time, many youth workers themselves were unsure about how to handle these issues. They lacked updated knowledge or practical tools to support their communities. This created an urgent need for training programs that could build awareness and confidence among professionals who work directly with young people.
The training in Budapest provided exactly this. It offered both knowledge and a supportive environment for open discussion. One of the first eye-opening sessions was about the different types of cyber threats. Participants explored real examples of phishing scams, identity theft, cyberbullying, and misinformation. It became clear how easy it is for young people to become targets, and how difficult it is to undo the damage once it happens. The trainers also highlighted how digital risks are connected to emotional wellbeing. When young people are bullied or manipulated online, the effects go far beyond the screen. This understanding helped participants see that cybersecurity is not only a technical issue—it is also deeply human.
Another valuable part of the training was the focus on digital responsibility. Participants explored how to teach respectful and ethical online behavior, and how to encourage critical thinking among youth. The sessions included activities that could be used in youth centers, schools, or community events. These included games, simulations, and discussions around digital citizenship, online empathy, and fact-checking. The training also covered legal frameworks, such as GDPR and national policies, and explained how these laws protect digital rights. This helped participants feel more confident when talking to youth about their rights and responsibilities online.
One of the most inspiring experiences was the visit to a local Budapest youth center that had developed its own cyber safety education program. The youth workers there involved young people in creating digital campaigns, videos, and peer-led discussions about online safety. Seeing how youth can become leaders in their own communities was a strong message for all participants.
Returning home to Hungary, the youth worker from Berek Barátja Egyesület decided to create a local initiative inspired by the Budapest training. The project was called “Digital Compass,” and it was designed to help youth navigate the internet safely and responsibly. It started with workshops in local schools and youth clubs, where sessions were delivered using the interactive methods learned during the training. Each session focused on a different theme, such as online privacy, cyberbullying, safe sharing, and emotional health. Young participants were encouraged to reflect on their own online habits, share their experiences, and come up with solutions together. Some sessions used role-play to explore how to respond to digital threats, while others included storytelling and creative media tasks to express emotions and build empathy.
In addition to working with youth directly, the initiative also involved parents, teachers, and local leaders. Information sessions were organized to raise awareness about current digital trends, threats, and the importance of active support at home and in schools. Many adults were surprised to learn how much digital pressure young people experience daily. These sessions created more understanding and connection between generations.
The impact of “Digital Compass” became visible after a few months. Youth participants showed increased awareness of online safety and more confidence in setting boundaries online. Some even took the lead in their schools, organizing peer-to-peer education circles where students shared tips and support. Teachers started using the project’s materials in class and adapted some methods into their own lesson plans. Parents reported more open conversations with their children about internet use and felt better prepared to support them.
The local government also took interest in the initiative. Representatives from the education and youth departments were invited to a presentation of the results. They praised the project for its practical, youth-centered approach and encouraged the NGO to apply for further funding to expand the program. Plans began to develop for a regional digital literacy campaign, in partnership with other NGOs and schools.
The Erasmus+ training in Budapest showed that protecting youth online requires more than just rules or warnings. It requires education that is engaging, real, and respectful. It requires partnerships between youth, families, and professionals. And it requires a belief in the power of youth to lead and protect their own spaces. The training helped youth workers feel more confident in a topic that can often feel too technical or fast-changing. It gave them tools to act and a network of colleagues to grow with.
Looking ahead, the team at Berek Barátja Egyesület is committed to keeping the conversation going. The digital world is changing every day, and youth workers must stay informed and connected to respond to new challenges. But more importantly, young people must continue to be at the center of these efforts—not as victims to protect, but as partners to empower. With knowledge, empathy, and trust, a safer digital world is not only possible—it is already being built by those who believe in youth potential and take action to support it.