// Digital Module FOR SCHOOLS

Every search, every like, every shared photo – everything leaves a trace. Many children and young people navigate the internet daily without realising how much information they are revealing – often unintentionally. What does my profile picture say about me? What can be inferred from my location data, comments, or browsing history? And who collects this data – and for what purpose? In this workshop on digital footprints, we shed light on how our online traces are created, why they are so valuable – and why they can sometimes be risky. Participants will learn: what information they give away when browsing, posting, or liking how platforms, apps, and advertisers use that data why data is rarely ever truly “deleted” what terms like tracking, cookies, and personalised advertising really mean Through engaging examples and interactive elements, students will gain a clear understanding of how to handle their digital data more mindfully. They will develop critical awareness of their own data use and receive practical tips. The aim is to foster digital confidence – empowering children and young people to leave their online traces more thoughtfully.

Fake news, disinformation, and sensational headlines – how can children and young people learn to navigate them? On social media, TikTok, YouTube, or WhatsApp, young people encounter information every day that isn’t always accurate. But how can you spot fake news? Who is behind the content? And how can you tell the difference between opinion and manipulation? This media literacy workshop focuses on: understanding how news is created and the interests behind it recognising how images and headlines are designed to trigger emotions questioning why certain content is shared uncritically – and what mechanisms drive it Through interactive activities, real-life examples, and discussions rooted in their everyday experiences, participants develop an eye for language, sources, and intent. The aim is to foster critical thinking, challenge personal filter bubbles, and encourage more mindful media use.

Hate speech, radical content, and subtle manipulation – how can young people recognise the danger hidden in memes, comments, or seemingly harmless quotes? Today, extremist messages often spread quietly – through social media, group chats, videos, reels, or influencers with extremist worldviews. What once happened loudly on the streets now unfolds digitally, quickly, and often invisibly – in comment sections, Discord groups, or TikTok videos. This workshop on extremism prevention and media literacy focuses on: the hallmarks of extremist rhetoric (e.g., scapegoating, enemy images, black-and-white thinking) methods of digital radicalisation the question: What counts as opinion – and what crosses the line into illegality? Using real-life examples from the world of young people, we explore how extremism works online, what legal boundaries exist, and how to respond with knowledge, values, and civil courage. The goal is to empower young people to see through manipulative content and to take a clear, conscious stand against hate and incitement – both online and offline.

"I get you – you can’t really talk to your parents anyway." Perpetrators online are patient. They listen, give compliments, offer closeness. What starts out looking like genuine friendship can quickly become a trap. Behind a screen, anyone can pretend to be someone else – even with harmful intentions. Cybergrooming describes the attempt to build an emotional bond with a child or young person online in order to manipulate or sexually exploit them. It often happens gradually – through chat messages, voice notes, or seemingly harmless conversations in games or on social media. In this workshop, we speak openly about these dynamics and promote a critical, confident approach to digital contacts. Using relatable, real-life situations from students’ everyday experiences, we raise awareness of potential risks – and strengthen their ability to respond safely. Key topics include: How offenders build trust and deliberately create a sense of closeness Phrases or behaviours that can be early warning signs Who to turn to if something feels wrong – for yourself or for someone else The goal is not to frighten children and young people, but to empower them: to use digital spaces safely and with self-determination – equipped with clarity, confidence, and the ability to take action.