As digital threats continue to multiply, equipping young people with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves online has become essential. The consequences of disinformation and other harmful digital risks are growing, underscoring the need for proactive measures. This initiative began with a comprehensive analysis based on a survey of 200 young people, which identified the most critical areas for intervention. Guided by these findings, the focused was on strengthening protection mechanisms, particularly for vulnerable groups, ensuring their safety in the digital space remains a priority.
The primary beneficiaries were high school students from diverse regions across North Macedonia.
This result will serve as a solid foundation for ongoing advocacy aimed at incorporating the most critical needs identified by the target population into formal education. Key areas of focus include personal data protection and privacy, cyber violence and bullying, human and digital rights education with an emphasis on freedom of speech and hate speech, digital gender-based violence, and media literacy—particularly around fake news and fact-checking. These strategic areas are essential because education is a powerful tool in combatting harmful digital trends and ensuring the safety and empowerment of young people. Integrating these topics into formal education systems creates a strong base for further advocacy, ensuring that young people’s voices shape policies that promote a safe and inclusive digital environment. Education not only protects individual rights but also fosters a generation that is culturally aware, digitally competent, and equipped to navigate the challenges of the digital world.
Youth engagement is crucial in shaping policies that address the unique challenges faced by young people. This project has successfully amplified the voices of youth, ensuring their concerns are heard and acted upon. The digital space has become an integral part of everyday life, especially for young people, and without proper protection, they are increasingly vulnerable to various online threats. This initiative has effectively bridged the gap, providing young students with the essential tools and knowledge to navigate the digital world safely, ultimately shifting their perspectives for the better. Through this work, young people are now better equipped to engage in the digital space in a more informed and secure manner.
ANALYSIS of research results related to digital rights.
