On June 4, 2025, I had the privilege of stepping into the heart of European policymaking in Brussels. I was not there as a tourist, but as a delegate, a member of the Italian youth panel "Generazioni Connesse," ready to contribute to a high-level stakeholder consultation. The subject at hand was no small matter: Article 28 of the Digital Services Act (DSA), a crucial piece of legislation dedicated to the protection of minors online.

The goal was to review a comprehensive draft of Article 28 before it moved to the next legislative stages. Initially, the prospect was daunting. The room was filled with legal experts, academics, and representatives from major technology companies. My initial fear was that my perspective as a young person might be just a symbolic gesture in a room full of seasoned professionals.

That apprehension quickly vanished. The day began with an introductory panel where I, alongside three other young people from various European countries, was given the floor to open the proceedings. This set a powerful tone: youth were not just being consulted; we were an integral part of the debate. The core of the work took place in focused discussion groups, each tackling complex themes within the article. I participated in sessions on age verification and recommender systems. It was a masterclass in multi-stakeholder dialogue. Hearing the varied, and sometimes conflicting, perspectives from public and private actors was fascinating. Yet, what truly stood out was a shared, genuine commitment to finding workable solutions for the safety of minors. The informal conversations during the breaks were just as constructive, weaving a rich tapestry of ideas and opinions.

This experience profoundly deepened my understanding of the challenges at hand. I learned that an issue like age verification, which seems straightforward on the surface, is fraught with technical and ethical complexities. However, it was the discussion on recommender systems that resonated with me the most. I became more convinced than ever that, for minors, platform algorithms must evolve. We need to shift the focus from maximizing passive "engagement" to prioritising active user feedback. The systems that curate content for young people must be designed to prevent harmful content and avoid trapping users in echo chambers, promoting instead a healthy and diverse digital experience.

I left Brussels feeling genuinely empowered. The experience was a powerful exercise in international collaboration and a testament to the EU's commitment to its young citizens. It taught me that creating effective, positive change requires deep listening and the active involvement of all parties—especially those most affected. 

Discover more about youth participation activities in the BIK Youth section of the portal.

Gabriele
BIK Youth Ambassador from Italy