In April 2025, the Erasmus+ project “CyberSafe Youth: Protecting Digital Spaces and Empowering Communities” was held in Budapest, Hungary. The event gathered youth workers and NGO representatives from across Europe to tackle one of the biggest challenges of today—online safety for young people. With the rise of technology, young people face new dangers like misinformation, cyberbullying, identity theft, and data privacy violations. For youth workers, the challenge is to guide young people in using digital tools responsibly and safely. This international training was a unique opportunity to learn about strategies, tools, and methods that support young people in building stronger and safer digital habits. Representing the Romanian NGO “Se Poate,” a youth worker joined the project and discovered meaningful ways to bring change at home.
In Romania, digital access has increased in the last years, especially among young people. Most teenagers use smartphones daily and spend long hours on social media platforms. However, their knowledge of online safety remains limited. Many young people in Romania do not understand the risks behind sharing personal data, talking to strangers online, or believing everything they read on the internet. Schools are often unprepared to include digital safety in their curriculum, and many teachers do not feel confident discussing these topics. In smaller towns or rural areas, the problem is even more serious, as internet access is not always accompanied by education on how to use it properly. Cases of online bullying and identity theft are becoming more frequent. Youth workers and educators see the consequences—students becoming anxious, feeling isolated, or being victims of online abuse. Before the training in Budapest, there was a strong need to better support young people in navigating their online lives in Romania.
The training course in Hungary provided valuable knowledge and tools for youth workers from different countries. It was not only about learning facts but about understanding real-life experiences. One of the most powerful parts of the training was a session on the emotional impact of cyberbullying. It showed how online violence can damage a young person’s mental health and confidence. Another session focused on fake news and online misinformation. Participants learned how to identify false content and how to teach young people to think critically before sharing or believing information online. The program also included legal education, introducing participants to laws such as GDPR and how they protect users' rights in the European Union.
What made the experience even more special was the sharing of ideas and best practices between countries. For example, a youth organization from Finland shared their peer-led approach where young people teach other young people about digital risks. A German NGO showed how they work with parents and schools together, creating a triangle of support around the youth. The group also visited a local community space in Budapest where teenagers created posters and social media campaigns about digital responsibility. These real-world examples inspired the participants from Romania and gave them the motivation to start something similar.
After returning to Romania, the youth worker from Se Poate decided to launch a local project called “SafeClicks.” This project aimed to educate young people in small towns about online safety, cyberbullying, and digital responsibility. The idea came directly from the CyberSafe Youth training, especially from the parts that emphasized peer education and youth-led activities. With help from the Se Poate team, the youth worker visited several schools and youth centers, organizing interactive sessions with students aged 12 to 18. These sessions included group discussions, short videos, and role-playing games to help students understand online risks and how to respond.
“SafeClicks” also included a digital challenge campaign. Young people were invited to create short videos, posters, or memes promoting positive digital behavior. The campaign ran on Instagram and TikTok and reached hundreds of viewers. Some students created stories about bullying and how they overcame it. Others explained how to report inappropriate content or how to check if news is fake. The campaign helped youth use their creativity while also learning important messages.
At the same time, the team from Se Poate also worked with local teachers. Many teachers expressed that they didn’t know how to start conversations about online dangers with their students. The youth worker created a simple handbook in Romanian with ideas for classroom activities and tips for parents. It explained key terms like phishing, malware, and digital footprints in simple language. It also included personal stories collected during the project to help adults understand how youth feel in the digital world.
The impact of “SafeClicks” started to be visible very quickly. Young participants reported that they had started using stronger passwords, thinking twice before clicking on unknown links, and being more respectful in group chats. Some students said they had talked to adults about problems they faced online for the first time. One teenager shared that after attending the workshop, she helped a friend who was being bullied on Instagram. These stories showed how real change begins with small actions and open conversations.
The local community also responded positively. After seeing the results of the first sessions, more schools requested to join the program. A regional youth center offered to include digital safety workshops in their summer programs. Local media wrote a short article about the youth-led campaign and its positive messages. Even some parents contacted Se Poate asking for advice on how to help their children online.
The project also influenced how Se Poate works as an organization. It reminded the team of the importance of giving youth space to speak, lead, and support each other. The youth worker who joined the training in Budapest continued to share lessons learned with colleagues, building a stronger network of professionals focused on digital empowerment.
Looking into the future, Se Poate plans to expand “SafeClicks” to more regions in Romania. They want to create a national online platform where young people can find information, share stories, and connect with trained youth mentors. The long-term goal is to make digital safety a normal part of youth education and development, not just a one-time topic.
The experience with CyberSafe Youth showed how one training can lead to many actions. When youth workers are supported and inspired, they can return home and start change from the ground up. The digital world will continue to grow, but with the right tools, young people can grow stronger with it. The Erasmus+ project was a reminder that youth have the power to build a better and safer online future—for themselves and for the next generation.