In an era where digital technologies shape how we learn, communicate, and participate in society, young people are more exposed than ever to both opportunities and risks online. According to Eurostat (2024), 97% of young people aged 16–29 in the EU reported using the internet daily, compared to 88% of the total population. Additionally, 88% of youth in this age group actively participated in social networks, in contrast to 65% of the general public (source: Eurostat – Young people - digital world (accessed 12-06-2025): https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=Young_people_-_digital_world). Despite this high digital presence, connectivity does not necessarily translate into critical engagement. Many young people are not equipped with the media and digital literacy skills needed to navigate complex online environments. They are vulnerable to misinformation, online manipulation, cyberbullying, and algorithmic influence – all of which affect mental health, civic engagement, and social inclusion. The European Commission highlights in its Digital Education Action Plan 2021–2027 that only 56% of EU citizens aged 16–74 have at least basic digital skills, which is far from sufficient in a society shaped by digital technologies (source: Digital Education Action Plan (accessed 12-06-2025):https://education.ec.europa.eu/focus-topics/digital-education/digital-education-action-plan). According to the latest Eurostat statistics (2023 edition), this issue is even more severe in partner countries. In Romania, only 28% of people aged 16–74 had basic or above-basic digital skills in 2023, and in Bulgaria, the figure was just 36%. The situation is also worrying in Italy, where only 46% of the population demonstrated at least basic digital skills, and in Greece, the percentage was 51% – both below the EU average of 56% (source: Eurostat – Digital skills indicators (accessed 12-06-2025): https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/products-eurostat-news/-/ddn-20231215-3). In Greece and Italy, regional disparities (especially in rural areas) reduce young people’s access to digital education and media literacy programmes, increasing the risk of online exclusion and misinformation exposure. In these countries, many young people – particularly those facing socio-economic barriers – have limited opportunities to engage critically with online content or participate in democratic life through digital means. Partner organizations from Greece, Romania, Bulgaria, and Italy confirm that these challenges are reflected in their local youth work. Many young people, especially with fewer opportunities, lack structured access to digital literacy education and safe environments to develop critical online skills. Youth workers in all four countries highlight the need to strengthen young people’s ability to think critically, act ethically, and participate meaningfully in digital society. In order to increase social inclusion and digital skills of youth with fewer opportunities, we will involve no less than 10 participants facing geographical, economic obstacles or barriers linked to education and training systems. AIM To empower young people, especially those with fewer opportunities, to become informed, critical, and responsible digital citizens who can safely navigate online spaces, resist manipulation, and use digital tools for positive civic engagement. OBJECTIVES 1. Raise awareness among young people about online risks such as disinformation, cyberbullying, and manipulation, and help them reflect on how these affect their well-being and democratic participation. 2. Equip participants with practical media and digital skills to better understand online content, spot misinformation, and recognize unreliable or biased sources. 3. Promote responsible and ethical use of digital platforms by encouraging young people to create positive content, communicate respectfully, and engage actively in civic and social life online. 4. Promote digital inclusion by engaging young people with fewer opportunities and supporting their active and confident participation in digital life. Through non-formal learning methods such as interactive workshops, media labs, role-plays, and other collaborative activities, participants will learn how to identify and counter disinformation, foster respectful online communication, and become active contributors to digital spaces. By the end of the project, youth will be more resilient to manipulation, more aware of their rights and responsibilities online, and more motivated to use digital tools as instruments for positive social impact. This project directly addresses the growing need to strengthen digital and media literacy among youth in Europe, particularly for those most at risk of being left behind in the digital transition. It aligns with the European Commission's Digital Education Action Plan and Erasmus+ priorities on inclusion, digital transformation, and youth participation.