OnSafe aimed at equipping young people and teenagers with the necessary knowledge, skills and tools to prevent being exposed to sexually related online risks and threats, through the development, piloting and implementation of a series of interactive workshops under the following objectives: * Raise awareness about online risks and threats emphasising on sexually related ones through the design, piloting and implementation of interactive workshops; * Enhance the interaction of youth with social media through the advancement of their digital skills and competences in recognizing and responding to sexually related online threats and risks; * Equip youth workers with the knowledge and a training tool “to empower learners to manage risks and use digital technologies safely and responsibly” (DigCompEdu, Area 6.4), as referenced in the European Framework for the Digital Competence of Educators (DigCompEdu) of the EC; * Facilitate the creation and innovative use of digital education content on aspects of sexually related online risks and threats; * Raise awareness among young people, youth workers and other target groups of the current legislation on Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) and other sexually related cyber offences.
Over the last decade, the proliferation of digital technologies has led to youth engagement with digital media expanding beyond entertainment to encompass all areas of their lives. This abrupt penetration of the internet into their routine resulted in an increased exposure to online risks, with sexually online related risks, including sextortion, revenge porn, sexting, grooming and sexual abuse of minors to be on the rise. Creating and delivering awareness raising and capacity building activities for youth on aspects of sexually related threats and risks becomes a necessity now to allow them to have better experiences online and facilitate their successful transition into the digital era. Should these activities have considerable impact on the learners, they should differ from the traditional educational practices in which learners tend to be treated as passive sponges. A more interactive and engaging model of delivering knowledge to them is needed in order to talk to them about subjects which are important in their digital life.