Iberian-insular Young Informants meet to share good practices and discuss online safety topics

From 26 to 30 June 2022, a group of about 200 young volunteers (Young Informants) in information and awareness raising initiatives from Portugal and Spain met in Mollina, Spain to share good practices and discuss different online safety issues related to their volunteer activities.

Date 2022-08-18 Author Portuguese Safer Internet Centre Section awareness Topic love, relationships, sexuality (online), media literacy/education, potentially harmful content Audience children and young people, media specialist, parents and carers
Group picture of all Young Informants volunteers in Mollina, Spain.

At the Iberian-insular Young Informants meeting, there were representatives from almost all regions and autonomous communities of both Portugal and Spain, including the islands (such as Canary, Balearic and Madeira), aged 14 to 25. Among the many activities taking place during the event, they were able to reflect on their role as informants and awareness-raising agents among their peers, as well as to participate in several workshops and sessions.  

Picture of a group of young volunteers participating in a session and exchanging views. Credits: Portuguese Safer Internet Centre

The first day was dedicated to sharing their experiences, difficulties and needs for their activities as young informants. How do they see themselves? How do others perceive and value their activity?  

The young informants seek to support their peers in getting access to accurate and reliable online information. That is a crucial process for young people as it allows them to make informed choices, participate in social life events and take on responsibilities. Therefore, exchanging views and knowing how other peer educators are developing their work in this area is greatly helpful, as well as knowing others' lines of action. By using various communication tools, new methodologies and resources, these young agents feel they can make the difference. However, they would like to get more recognition of their effort and obtain more support. For this reason, a new website of Young Informants is now under construction. The website will act like a guide for all volunteers, providing interesting online safety news, testimonies, resources, and all sorts of useful information. For now, the website will only be available in Spanish. 

A group of six young participants during a workshop, sitting on the wooden flor and writing on paper. At the centre, the question "what is a Young Informant?". Credits: Portuguese Safer Internet Centre

During the second day, participants had the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and participate in workshops on several different topics ranging from European programs for young people, youth health and sexuality, communication and social networks, SDGs and youth, as well as an “influencer corner”. 

The third day began with meetings between the volunteers and the directors of information services for young people from the different autonomous regions of Spain and Portugal. During these sessions, the young participants were able to ask questions and express their views and opinions directly to those responsible for implementing youth policies, particularly regarding information and communication for and with young people. In the afternoon, everyone participated in a public impact action in the city centre of Málaga.  

Picture of drawings, comics and other material produced by the young informants during workshops, under the category "Necessary competences to be an informant". Credits: Portuguese Safer Internet Centre

According to the evaluations made by the participants themselves, this Young Informants meeting was successful and should indeed be repeated in the future, with more dynamics and addressing other various topics such as health and sexuality, new methodologies and resources, the development of the role of a young awareness-raising agent, sustainable environment, democratic participation, politics, sport and education.  

The event was financed by the Erasmus+ Programme. Watch a recap of the 4-day meeting below.

 

Find out more about the work of the Portuguese Safer Internet Centre, including its awareness raising, helpline, hotline and youth participation services – or find similar information for Safer Internet Centres throughout Europe.   

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