The conference, which took place online on Friday, 6 November 2020, was organised by the Latvian Helpline 116111 and the Latvian Safer Internet Centre (SIC).

It is no secret that young people look up to influencers – they listen to every word, want to try the same experiences and buy the same things, but the question remains – why do young people look up to influencers so much, and is it always a good idea? Many influencers use their power in a commercial way; it is a job and they are not always concerned with the information they post on social media, if and how it affects minors' thoughts, values and behaviours.

During the event, Toms Briedis, the head of WomStar, an agency specialised in cooperating with influencers, shared his thoughts on the challenges and behind-the-scenes of influencer work. Local celebrity and influencer Renārs Zeltiņš talked about influencers' opportunities to influence opinions – what should influencers take into account? The panel discussion on the impact of the internet and influencers gathered different experts – social media expert Artūrs Mednis, journalist and radio DJ Toms Grēviņš, the coordinator of Latvian Safer Internet Centre Maija Katkovska and psychologist Helena Adejanova.

After the discussion, social worker working with adolescents Guna Garokalns-Bihela addressed an interesting topic - can a teacher play the role of influencer in the lives of children and adolescents?

The conference was livestreamed and the recording is accessible on YouTube. 

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