In April 2025, Budapest became the meeting place for youth workers, educators, and community leaders from across Europe during the Erasmus+ training course “CyberSafe Youth: Protecting Digital Spaces and Empowering Communities.” The goal of this international initiative was to prepare youth professionals to respond to the growing risks faced by young people in online spaces. As digital life becomes more present in everyday routines, so do the challenges—cyberbullying, phishing, misinformation, and data privacy threats are becoming normal parts of the online experience. The CyberSafe Youth project responded to this reality with practical solutions and a collaborative mindset. Representing Denmark, a youth worker from the Pangaea Youth Network joined the program, determined to improve online safety in their local communities. The course brought not only new knowledge but also the motivation to turn ideas into action.
In Denmark, young people are among the most connected in Europe. The internet is deeply integrated into their education, communication, and social lives. Danish youth have access to technology from a very young age and grow up in an environment where screens are part of learning, play, and friendships. While this digital access brings many benefits, it also introduces risks that are not always easy to recognize. Cases of cyberbullying have increased, especially through anonymous apps and social platforms. Many young people feel pressure to present a perfect life online, which affects their mental health. There is also a growing number of young people who are exposed to harmful content or become victims of scams. Despite Denmark’s strong legal system and educational structures, there is still a lack of practical and accessible resources for digital well-being—especially for vulnerable youth and the professionals who support them. Youth workers often find themselves in the position of listening to the problems but not always having the tools to solve them.
The CyberSafe Youth training in Budapest offered exactly the support needed to meet these challenges. The week-long course included practical sessions, expert talks, and group work. Participants received a full introduction to the many faces of cybersecurity threats. They learned about phishing and malware, but also about less visible dangers like online manipulation, disinformation, and identity theft. What stood out to the Danish participant was how the training connected technical knowledge with human impact. Every threat discussed was linked to real emotions—fear, anxiety, loneliness, and confusion. These emotions are often invisible in the digital world but deeply affect the lives of young people.
One of the most helpful parts of the course was the section on building digital responsibility. Participants learned how to teach young people about safe behavior online, how to check facts before sharing, and how to speak respectfully in digital spaces. There were practical activities that could be adapted for youth centers, such as designing cyber awareness games, organizing digital debates, or building “fake news hunts” in classrooms. The legal part of the course was also valuable. It explained how GDPR and national laws protect the rights of users, and how to use this knowledge to empower youth to take control of their digital presence.
During the training, a visit to a local community center in Budapest provided even more insight. The center had launched a youth-led campaign on safe digital behavior. Young people created posters, videos, and peer workshops about online bullying and misinformation. This visit showed how youth can be more than just learners—they can also be educators and leaders when given the space and trust.
Inspired by the training and this experience, the Pangaea Youth Network decided to launch a new project called “Digital Guardian Circles” shortly after returning to Denmark. The idea was simple but effective: create small youth groups that meet weekly to explore topics related to cybersecurity, emotional health online, and ethical digital behavior. These circles were led by trained youth workers and invited young people to bring their own questions and experiences. The sessions were built around discussion and trust, with no formal lectures—just open conversation and practical learning. Topics ranged from managing screen time and dealing with online conflict to understanding how digital footprints affect job opportunities.
To support the initiative, Pangaea Youth Network developed educational materials in Danish that were based on the tools and knowledge shared in Budapest. These materials were made available not only for youth but also for teachers and parents. Information sessions for adults were launched to help them understand the world their children were growing up in. Many parents admitted they had never spoken to their children about topics like password security or cyberbullying before, simply because they didn’t know how.
The “Digital Guardian Circles” quickly gained popularity. In just a few months, several schools and community centers joined the program. Young participants reported feeling more confident in managing their online lives. They said they had learned how to set boundaries, identify manipulation, and use social media more mindfully. Some participants even started peer initiatives of their own, including small awareness campaigns during school assemblies and student-led “cyber wellness days.” Teachers shared that students who participated were more active in class discussions about technology and more aware of how to behave respectfully online.
The impact was also noticed by local municipalities. Pangaea Youth Network was invited to present the results of the project to a youth policy committee in Copenhagen. Policymakers expressed interest in supporting the expansion of the project into rural areas, where access to digital education is sometimes lower. The feedback showed that when youth are treated as responsible actors and not passive users, they are more likely to make good choices and support their peers.
The Erasmus+ training not only gave tools but also created a strong network. Participants from different countries stayed in contact, exchanging ideas and supporting each other in their work. This network helped Pangaea Youth Network to continue improving its programs and to keep learning from the best practices of others.
Looking to the future, the team in Denmark is committed to growing the “Digital Guardian Circles” into a national model. Plans are in place to build an online platform where young people from different regions can share experiences and create digital safety content together. The vision is clear: digital safety is not just a technical issue—it is a matter of personal freedom, respect, and inclusion.
The experience in Budapest confirmed the belief that youth empowerment in the digital age must go beyond warnings and rules. It must focus on trust, participation, and education. Youth workers play a key role in this journey. With the right tools, they can turn fear into confidence and confusion into clarity. And with every safe click, shared story, and protected password, young people in Denmark and across Europe can build a digital future that reflects their true values—respect, curiosity, and care.