In April 2025, youth workers, educators, and NGO professionals gathered in Budapest, Hungary, for an Erasmus+ training titled “CyberSafe Youth: Protecting Digital Spaces and Empowering Communities.” The project focused on the importance of cybersecurity, responsible digital behavior, and building resilience against online threats. As the digital world continues to shape the lives of young people, youth workers must be prepared to guide and protect them. This training gave participants the tools, knowledge, and confidence to do just that. Representing Copernicus Berlin e.V. from Germany, a youth worker joined the program with the hope of finding new ways to support young people in navigating digital life safely. The experience became a journey of discovery, learning, and action.
In Germany, young people grow up surrounded by technology. They use digital tools for education, socializing, activism, and entertainment. However, while the digital space offers many opportunities, it also comes with serious risks. Cyberbullying, misinformation, privacy breaches, and online manipulation are becoming more common. Many teenagers face mental health challenges related to their digital lives. Some experience harassment or pressure on social media, while others fall victim to scams or phishing attacks. The fast-changing nature of technology often leaves parents and educators struggling to keep up. In this environment, youth workers have a special role to play. They are often the bridge between young people and the support systems they need. Before the training, many youth workers in Germany expressed a need for more structured tools to deal with digital safety, as well as updated knowledge on laws like GDPR and the ethics of data use.
The training in Budapest created a space where these needs could be addressed with care and clarity. From the very first session, participants explored real-world examples of online risks faced by youth. The course broke down complex terms like phishing, malware, and data protection into simple, easy-to-understand parts. One of the most powerful moments for the participant from Copernicus Berlin was understanding how emotional harm is often linked to digital threats. Behind every story of cyberbullying or identity theft is a young person who feels confused, scared, or alone.
The course also focused on building digital responsibility. Sessions included practical exercises that could later be used with youth—like how to fact-check news, understand algorithms, or recognize manipulation. These workshops were not only informative but also engaging, using games, case studies, and simulations. Participants also explored legal frameworks, understanding how European and national laws protect users' rights. This gave youth workers more confidence in advising young people on their rights online.
One memorable part of the course was visiting a youth center in Budapest where young people led their own digital awareness campaigns. This showed that youth are not just passive users of the internet. They can be digital leaders, spreading awareness and setting an example for their peers. The international group also exchanged ideas and practices. Each participant brought their own country’s perspective, making the learning rich and relatable. Many stayed connected afterward, building a network of professionals ready to support each other in future collaborations.
Returning to Germany, the youth worker from Copernicus Berlin e.V. was inspired to start a new initiative called “Digital Future Lab.” The idea was to create a youth-led program that focused on safe internet use, critical media literacy, and digital rights. The project began with weekly workshops held at the NGO’s youth center in Berlin. The format was flexible and interactive. Each week, a new topic was introduced—one week focused on understanding cyberbullying, another on misinformation and fake news, and others on password safety, social media stress, or data privacy.
What made the “Digital Future Lab” special was that it gave young people the chance to lead. After the first few sessions, youth participants were invited to become co-trainers. They prepared their own short lessons, created content, and helped others in the group understand important ideas. This peer-to-peer model helped build confidence and a sense of responsibility. At the same time, youth workers provided guidance and emotional support, using what was learned in Budapest to create a respectful and empowering atmosphere.
To extend the reach of the project, the NGO partnered with local schools and community centers. Short training sessions were developed for teachers and parents. These included how to talk to children about online behavior, how to recognize warning signs, and how to stay informed about digital risks. Many adults expressed relief after these sessions, saying they felt more prepared to support their children.
The impact of the “Digital Future Lab” could be seen both in numbers and in emotions. Dozens of young people took part in the workshops. Some of them created small awareness campaigns on social media, while others started digital well-being clubs at their schools. Teachers who joined the project said that students became more engaged and thoughtful when using digital tools in class. One school even added a monthly “Digital Dialogue” hour, where students and teachers could openly discuss online challenges and share experiences.
The initiative also caught the attention of local policymakers. Representatives from Berlin’s education department visited one of the workshops and later invited Copernicus Berlin to present the project at a city forum on youth digital health. This opened doors to possible public funding and recognition at the municipal level. It also showed that civil society and youth organizations play an essential role in shaping a safe digital future.
The experience of participating in the Erasmus+ training and launching the project confirmed a simple but important idea: young people can be powerful protectors of their digital world—if they are trusted, informed, and involved. The journey from Budapest to Berlin was more than physical. It was a step forward in building a safer, more aware, and more inclusive online space for all.
Looking forward, Copernicus Berlin e.V. plans to expand the “Digital Future Lab” into new regions, working with rural youth and refugee communities who may have less access to digital literacy programs. The team also hopes to publish a youth-friendly guide on cybersecurity and to continue collaborating with the international partners met during the training.
In today’s world, where digital challenges can seem overwhelming, projects like “CyberSafe Youth” bring hope and direction. By empowering youth workers and trusting young people to take the lead, communities can become stronger, safer, and more connected. The digital world does not have to be a place of fear. It can be a space of growth, learning, and respect—if built together, with care.