What does it really take to stay safe online today?

This question came up during our online session on the fourth of September, when young people and volunteers gathered to share experiences about scams, privacy concerns, and digital risks. The answer, of course, isn’t simple, but that’s exactly why our team is working on something practical: a Digital Safety Handbook for Youth.

It all started from a discussion…

During the meeting, our participants didn’t just talk about challenges; they researched steps to bring the handbook to life. They explored different ways of collecting reliable data: from academic research and official documents to surveys and online tools.

The team also discussed how artificial intelligence can be a useful assistant if used responsibly. They stressed the importance of fact-checking, cross-referencing information, and always citing trustworthy sources.

The handbook will focus on some of the most relevant challenges for young people online, including:

• Recognizing scams and online fraud
  
• Creating strong passwords and keeping data secure (password hygiene)
  
• Protecting privacy and understanding how personal information is used

The handbook aims to help young people build confidence while navigating the internet. To make this possible we will combine data-driven insights with everyday tips.

The participants divided the work. Some will focus on researching online scams, others will review national and European cybersecurity strategies, while the rest will gather existing toolkits, guidelines, and handbooks. All of these will make it easier to organise findings and draft content collectively.

From research to handbook

The next step is to turn all the research into a handbook that young people will actually enjoy using. It won’t just be long texts; it will also include pictures, infographics, and interactive parts to make the information clear, fun, and easy to share.

Our goal is simple: to help young people make safer choices online. By working together, doing solid research, and adding creativity, our volunteers are building a tool that makes the internet a safer place to explore.

This handbook is part of Connecting Minds for Digital Tomorrow!, our European Solidarity Corps project. Mixing facts with practical tips supports the project’s mission to boost digital skills, media awareness, and online safety. And its impact will last well into the future, even after the project ends.