The BeAware project aimed to contribute to the prevention of OSEA by strengthening awareness, knowledge, and capacities among young people, professionals, and the wider community. Considering the complex and multifaceted nature of OSEA, the project sought to address the phenomenon from a holistic and multidisciplinary perspective. The project aimed to design and test educational modules and practical tools to support the prevention, identification, and response to OSEA. Another key objective was to strengthen the capacities of organisations and youth professionals across Europe by enhancing their skills, fostering peer-to-peer learning, and promoting the exchange of knowledge, experience, and good practices. At the same time, BeAware aimed to empower young people by increasing their understanding of online risks, vulnerability factors, and protection measures, enabling them to make safer choices and protect themselves and their peers. The project also sought to promote youth civic engagement and active citizenship, involving young people directly in awareness-raising and communication activities on digital safety.
The BeAware project was developed in response to a shared and urgent need identified by partner organisations to better prevent and address Online Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (OSEA) affecting children and young people across Europe. The rapid growth of digital technologies and social media has increased young people’s exposure to online risks, while enabling perpetrators to operate across borders and reach victims more easily. The project also responded to the need for a stronger gender- and intersectionality-sensitive perspective, as evidence shows that girls and young women, particularly those facing multiple forms of discrimination, are disproportionately affected by online sexual violence and exploitation. Professionals expressed the need to strengthen their skills to recognise risk factors, intervene appropriately and support young people effectively. BeAware was therefore designed to address these needs through a holistic and transnational approach, combining capacity building, youth engagement, and awareness-raising, with the aim of strengthening prevention mechanisms and contributing to safer digital environments at local, national and European levels.