In April 2025, the Erasmus+ training course “CyberSafe Youth: Protecting Digital Spaces and Empowering Communities” brought together youth workers, educators, and NGO leaders in Budapest, Hungary. The course focused on a growing challenge in modern society—how to keep young people safe in the digital world while also helping them build the skills to be responsible, informed users of technology. With online risks such as misinformation, cyberbullying, identity theft, and privacy breaches becoming more common, the project offered timely guidance. It created a supportive space for professionals to learn, exchange ideas, and prepare to address digital safety in their own communities. Representing the NGO Mladezhda from Bulgaria, a youth worker took part in this transformative journey, which would later lead to meaningful changes at home.
In Bulgaria, like in many other countries, digital tools have become part of everyday life for young people. Social media, messaging apps, video games, and online learning platforms are deeply integrated into their routines. Yet many youth do not receive enough education on how to stay safe or act responsibly online. Cyberbullying is a growing concern, especially among school-aged youth. There have also been reports of scams targeting children and teens, as well as emotional distress caused by online harassment and social media pressure. In small towns and rural areas, the situation is more complicated. Many families have limited access to up-to-date digital education, and teachers often feel unprepared to deal with new forms of cyber threats. Before the training in Budapest, it was clear that there was a strong need in Bulgaria for structured, youth-friendly approaches to online safety and digital empowerment.
The CyberSafe Youth training created exactly the kind of space needed for reflection, learning, and motivation. The sessions covered a wide range of topics, from understanding technical threats like malware and phishing to discussing emotional and social issues such as cyberbullying and misinformation. One of the most eye-opening moments for the Bulgarian participant came during a workshop on how online experiences impact mental health. It showed how young people who experience harm online often do not talk about it. They may feel ashamed, afraid, or unsure who to turn to. This showed clearly that youth workers need not only technical knowledge but also emotional awareness to be able to support them.
The training also gave participants concrete tools to bring back to their communities. Sessions on digital responsibility included practical exercises that helped promote respectful online behavior, critical thinking, and empathy. The group explored interactive methods that could be used in schools or youth centers, such as games, simulations, and media analysis. Legal sessions explained the role of data protection regulations like GDPR and gave youth workers more confidence to discuss rights and digital citizenship with both youth and adults.
One of the highlights of the training was a visit to a community center in Budapest where local youth led workshops for their peers. These young leaders shared messages about online safety, designed posters, and used storytelling to raise awareness. It was a powerful reminder that youth can become the strongest advocates for digital responsibility when given the opportunity and support.
Returning to Bulgaria, the youth worker from Mladezhda felt determined to act. Together with the NGO, they developed a new local initiative called “Digital Shield.” The project was designed to respond to the needs of Bulgarian youth, especially those in smaller towns and less connected areas. It included a series of workshops that were hosted in community centers, libraries, and schools. The goal was to create safe and open spaces where young people could talk about their digital experiences and learn how to protect themselves and others online.
Each session focused on a specific topic, such as understanding online privacy, handling cyberbullying, spotting fake news, and managing screen time. The workshops used hands-on methods inspired by the Erasmus+ training—role-playing, group reflection, and real-life case studies. Participants were not just listeners. They shared their own stories, asked questions, and supported one another. This peer-to-peer energy helped build trust and engagement.
In addition to working with youth directly, the project also reached out to parents and teachers. Mladezhda created a simple guidebook in Bulgarian, helping adults understand the risks young people face online and offering tips on how to start conversations about digital safety. Some parents shared that this was the first time they felt confident talking about internet use with their children. Teachers also appreciated having access to new tools that made it easier to bring digital topics into the classroom.
The results of “Digital Shield” began to show quickly. Youth participants expressed that they felt more confident online. Some said they had changed their privacy settings, others reported cyberbullying they had previously stayed silent about, and many started using more thoughtful and respectful behavior on social media. A few youth formed small “Digital Ambassador” groups in their schools, helping others learn about safe internet use. These small actions created a ripple effect, spreading awareness across communities.
Local authorities took interest in the initiative. The municipality of Plovdiv invited Mladezhda to present the program during a youth education meeting. As a result, partnerships were formed with additional schools and cultural centers. The project was also included in a proposal for regional youth policy development, aiming to make digital safety a permanent part of youth services.
Reflecting on the entire experience, the Erasmus+ training in Budapest was more than just a week of professional development. It was a turning point. It showed that the digital world, while full of risks, can also be a space of growth, learning, and connection—if young people are supported by prepared and compassionate adults. The training gave the youth worker from Bulgaria the knowledge, motivation, and network needed to take the first steps in building a safer digital environment at home.
Looking forward, Mladezhda plans to continue expanding “Digital Shield,” with hopes of reaching more rural communities and engaging youth who are often left out of such opportunities. The team also wants to develop an online resource hub in Bulgarian, so that even more youth workers and educators across the country can access tools for digital education.
The work is not finished, but it is moving forward with hope. The CyberSafe Youth experience proved that youth empowerment in the digital age is not only possible—it is essential. When young people are trusted, guided, and inspired, they become the best defenders of a respectful and safe online world. Through their voices, actions, and awareness, a stronger digital community can grow—one that includes everyone, protects the vulnerable, and prepares the next generation to lead with confidence and care.