The project's primary objective was to combat online sexual abuse while fostering digital safety, gender equality, and inclusive democratic participation. Through WP2 #BeTheChange, we developed digital sexual education materials addressing key topics such as consent and safe sexting, tailored to youth aged 13-25, specially boys and young men. Meanwhile, WP3 #MyOnlineUtopia amplified youth perspectives, envisioning safer digital spaces and informing tools to combat toxicity. Resources created included youth-centric guides, digital education tools, and leadership development frameworks for youth workers. The project succeeded in equipping participants with practical skills to address online abuse, advocate for inclusivity, and foster healthier digital interactions, achieving its overarching goal of building a safer and more inclusive internet for all.
We applied for this project because we recognize the critical need to address the escalating issue of gender-based online abuse, which undermines the safety and participation of women and girls in digital spaces. The project addresses the urgent need to tackle this abuse, which disproportionately impacts women and girls. Research shows that online abuse has risen, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic, with severe consequences such as self-censorship and withdrawal from public discourse. This is especially concerning in democratic contexts, where the silencing of marginalized voices has broad effects. The project research indicates that perpetrators are predominantly men under 30, often with a personal connection to their victims, making them a key focus for prevention. While much is known about the perpetrators´demographics, the deeper motivations behind their actions remain complex, and existing violence prevention efforts often struggle to effectively engage young men and boys. By working with experts, the project addressed this gap with tailored educational measures focused on healthy relationships and digital behavior.