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.  

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. 

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.  

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.