Meeting young people at Digital eye level – Life online

Signe Sandfeld Hansen, M.Sc. in Psychology and counsellor & project coordinator, CfDP Why a digital campaign? The aim of our digital campaign is to create an open dialogue where young people have the opportunity to reflect on their own online-behavior, and also to present them with an eye opener as to how they are exposed to hidden advertisements, and information on how their personal data may be subject to (ab)use online. CfDP works daily on meeting young people at eye level concerning their use of digital media. The experience we have from our online counselling, Cyberhus, tells us there is a need for focusing on digital efforts because it offers youth an opportunity to enter into dialogue on their own terms. It may provide opportunities for young people to communicate honestly without exposing themselves, and this may help reach both ‘well-adjusted’ and vulnerable young people. Therefore, digital initiatives can help create opportunities for better prevention and early counselling, both in relation to online issues, such as digital bullying and failed internet purchases, and other themes relating to mental health during youth. How is the campaign organised? The campaign is divided into different elements that address young people directly as well as those professions that work with young people. CfDP’s digital youth counselling, Cyberhus, operates as a bridge-builder among young people, and each thursday during the month of February, Cyberhus hosts a group chat debating various themes pertaining to young people’s life online. Thursday 4 February @ 6-9 p.m.: Are you crazy about social media? Featuring Jonas Sindal from CfDP, speaker on digital well-being. Thursday 11 February @ 6-9 p.m.: Do you play computer games? Featuring Jesper Krogh Kristiansen, gaming developer and consultant. Thursday 18 February @ 6-9 p.m.: Are you private online? Featuring Pernille Tranberg, data-ethical consultant from Digital Identity. Thursday 25 February @ 6-9 p.m.: Can you spot a bargain online? Featuring Lea Markersen, legal expert from the Danish consumer council Think. Before Cyberhus’ group chat, we will post a blog focusing on a given theme of the following chat and invite our young people to comment or provide other input. After the chat, we will post another blog which shortly summarises what the chat-session addressed. For young people Cyberhus’ blog and group chat greatly act as part of the campaign that recognises that the internet entail social and positive aspects that appeal to young people. The more heavyset information, and partly critical parts of the campaign’s material for our young people, consist of articles posted on Cyberhus. The articles include information on how to change your privacy settings, what characterise different social media, and digital bullying. The function of the articles are flexible which means that if someone asks a lot of questions concerning e.g. anonymity online or online counselling, an article will be written on that subject. So, we meet our young people and show them that we listen: They are taken seriously. In each article, we link to Cyberhus’ debate forums where young people can voice their opinions. Also, we offer options for young people to chat about their experiences online ‘youth-to-youth’ in the group chat, and they can also ask different experts questions. For professionals The part of our campaign, which is aimed at professionals who work with young people, include this particular article along with a short conclusive report on the campaign. The report will, among other things, give an overview of which subject matters appealed most to our young people, the degree of participation in the chatroom, and the effect of our Facebook advertising. About Safer Internet Day 2016 The campaign is developed in collaboration with the The Media Council for Children and Young People in connection with Safer Internet Day 2016. Safer Internet Day is celebrated in more than 100 countries across the world. Again in 2016, there is a focus on being united on creating a better internet for everyone, particularly for children and young people. Read more about the activities taking place all over the world on the website for The Media Council for Children and Young People. Follow Safer Internet Day #Iplaymypart #Playyourpart #SID2016. If you would like to learn more about this project, please contact Signe Sandfeld Hansen by email signe@cfdp.dk or phone +45 8637 0400. We collaborate with in connection with Safer Internet Day 2016 ]]>