On 21 November 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to represent Austria at the Safer Internet Forum (SIF) in Brussels, an annual international conference. SIF serves as a crucial platform where policymakers, researchers, law enforcement agencies, youth, parents, educators and experts come together to discuss the latest trends, challenges, and solutions in the realm of online safety for children.

This year’s forum embraced a hybrid format, allowing participants to join either in person or online. What made the event truly special was its youth-driven approach. Young people were actively involved in every stage of the process, from planning and preparation to execution. This gave me a unique chance to collaborate with peers from various EU countries, as well as from Brazil and Armenia, on pressing issues that affect young people across borders.

In the lead-up to the forum, we worked on several workshops, which we then facilitated on-site in Brussels. I was part of the Body image/Mental health group, where we focused on topics such as toxic masculinity, toxic femininity, and eating disorders. During our workshop, we screened a short film we had created, which sparked an open and honest discussion. The feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. They appreciated the safe space we had created and the candid dialogue we encouraged.

What stood out to me most was the mutual respect in the room. The participants not only listened to us attentively but also engaged with us on an equal footing. They asked thoughtful questions, which showed their genuine interest in our perspectives. For us as facilitators, this made the experience both rewarding and empowering.

Outside of the official sessions, the camaraderie among us—the youth participants—was remarkable. From the moment we met, there was an instant connection. We spent our evenings exploring Brussels together, sharing meals, and enjoying the festive atmosphere as the city was blanketed in snow. These moments of laughter, deep conversations, and team bonding added an unforgettable layer to the whole experience.

Beyond the forum itself, I was honoured to be invited by the European Commission to participate in a meeting of the Better Internet for Kids (BIK) Advisory Board. This meeting provided a platform to share insights on initiatives promoting online safety and to discuss pressing youth issues such as the ethical use of artificial intelligence, digital literacy, and combating online hate speech.

This experience offered me a behind-the-scenes look at the extensive work that goes into creating a safer online environment for young people. It deepened my understanding of the collaborative efforts required to address the ever-evolving challenges of the digital age.

I am deeply grateful to the Safer Internet Austria team and the Safer Internet Forum organisers for making this journey possible. The insights gained, connections made, and skills developed during this time will undoubtedly stay with me for years to come. 

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