Risk

What it means

How to respond

Cyberbullying

Repeated, aggressive targeting of an individual online — through threatening messages, exclusion, humiliation, or the sharing of private content without consent.

Do not respond to attacks. Take screenshots as evidence. Report to the platform and to a trusted adult or authority. Block and remove access.

Misinformation & Fake News

False or misleading content — including manipulated images, fabricated quotes, or out-of-context stories — spread online, sometimes intentionally to influence opinion.

Cross-reference with trusted sources. Use fact-checking tools: EUvsDisinfo (euvsdisinfo.eu), Snopes, or FactCheck.org. Check the original source before sharing.

Online Hate Speech

Content that targets individuals or groups based on identity (race, gender, religion, sexuality) through discriminatory, threatening, or dehumanising language.

Do not share or amplify. Report to the platform. Counter with factual, calm responses when safe to do so. Support those targeted.

Digital addiction

Compulsive, excessive digital device use that interferes with sleep, relationships, physical health, mental well-being, and offline activities.

Set daily screen time limits. Take scheduled digital breaks. Prioritise face-to-face connection. Seek support if usage feels uncontrollable.

Privacy & Data exploitation

Unauthorised collection, sharing, or sale of personal data by apps, platforms, or third parties — often without meaningful informed consent.

Read privacy policies and settings. Use strong, unique passwords. Limit publicly shared personal information. Choose trusted platforms.

Phishing & Online scams

Fraudulent messages or websites designed to steal personal information, passwords, or financial details by impersonating trusted sources.

Never click suspicious links. Verify sender identity. Do not share passwords or financial details online. Report phishing attempts.

Opportunity

What it enables

Real example

Online Learning

Access to knowledge, skills, and qualifications from anywhere — removing geographic and financial barriers to education.

Free courses on Coursera, Khan Academy, edX, or Moodle-based MOOCs like this one.

Civic engagement & Advocacy

Signing petitions, joining campaigns, contacting decision-makers, participating in public consultations, and amplifying underheard voices.

Change.org petitions with global reach; youth councils using digital platforms; parliamentary e-consultations.

Creative Expression & Storytelling

Producing digital art, videos, podcasts, blogs, and interactive content to share ideas, challenge narratives, and inspire action.

A youth group creates Instagram infographics about recycling — reaching thousands and influencing local business practices.

Global solidarity

Connecting with people across the world to share experiences, build cross-border understanding, and collaborate on shared challenges.

International youth forums; Erasmus+ online exchanges; global climate action networks like Fridays For Future.

Civic tech & innovation

Using digital tools to improve public services, increase participation, and solve community problems through data, design, and collaboration.

Open data platforms; digital voting pilots; community apps designed by youth to address local issues.

NFTs & Digital civic art

Creating unique, shareable digital objects that carry civic messages, raise awareness, or generate funds for social causes.

Artists creating NFT collections to support refugees; youth creating digital art representing values like equality or peace.