International Safer Internet Summer CampEuropean Youth Panels Develop Ideas for Greater Internet Safety

Whether it’s fake news, cyberbullying, deepfakes, or dealing with artificial intelligence, young people experience the opportunities and challenges of the digital world every day. At the same time, their perspectives are still too rarely heard when it comes to making the internet safer, fairer, and better. This is exactly where the first“International Safer Internet Summer Camp”came in.

For five days, young people from Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, and Germany gathered in Lithuania. Many of them are already active in the Youth Panels of the European Safer Internet Centers. The focus was on the following questions: What digital issues concern young people? And what can they themselves contribute to developing solutions?

Discussion on Current Online Risks

To begin with, the participants examined current statistical data on artificial intelligence, cyberbullying, fake news, digital well-being, and screen time. Particular attention was paid to which developments affect young people most and where, in their view, there is an urgent need for action. Together, they identified key challenges and formulated tips for using digital services mindfully and safely.

During the subsequent hackathon, the young people themselves became idea generators. Working in small groups, they addressed current online risks of their own choosing, such as cyberbullying, deepfakes, news fatigue, and the impact of short-form video content. They developed their own prototypes and creative solutions, including interactive games and a news app. The focus was on creativity and on working together with young people from different countries to develop solutions to global digital challenges.

Collaboration in International Groups

The exchange took place entirely in English. For the participants, this meant putting their language skills into practice and interacting with young people from other countries and cultures. This was a key aspect of the camp experience: different languages and backgrounds were not a barrier, but rather an opportunity to discover new perspectives and gain fresh insights.

The work of the other Youth Panels was also a topic of discussion. Participants shared their experiences and activities, gaining insights into youth participation in the field of internet safety in other European countries.

Presentation and Exchange

In a public speaking session, the young people learned how to turn a good idea into a compelling message. They focused on stage presence, body language, and speaking confidently in front of an audience—all skills that will benefit them beyond the camp as they continue their work on the Youth Panels. At the subsequent “Market of Opportunities,” they were able to put what they had learned into practice right away. In front of about 200 children and young people from other camp groups, they presented their prototypes and engaged the audience in conversation.

As a result, the work didn’t end with developing their own ideas; instead, the young people themselves became advocates. They shared their knowledge, discussed their perspectives with others, and gained experiences they can apply to their future work with the Safer Internet Centers. Some of the participants will already be able to put what they’ve learned into practice in December at the Safer Internet Forum 2026 in Brussels.