Children and young people: How to master social media and smartphones?

Fake news, social media, algorithms… In a world where all kinds of messages circulate continuously, being able to decode what one sees is an essential skill. For young people, understanding what their phone displays means gaining a key to deciphering the world, protecting themselves, and finding their place in society.

Throughout the year, several educational workshops have raised young people’s awareness of responsible and caring digital use. Organised in collaboration with JugendInfoPunkt, these activities tackle key topics such as the use of social networks, cyberbullying, and privacy protection. These sessions provide them with the tools to develop sharper digital awareness, enabling them to navigate the internet with critical thinking and vigilance.

With screens everywhere, it is crucial to understand the risks linked to online anonymity, content manipulation, and self-exposure. Workshops often begin by exploring popular apps like Snapchat or TikTok and highlighting their features: ephemeral messages, automatic geolocation, and the creation of fake profiles. Through concrete examples, young people learn to spot risky situations, think before sharing an image or personal information, and reach out to a trusted person if in doubt.
Discussions go deeper with sensitive topics, such as cybergrooming—a form of online manipulation—social pressure from edited content, and unthinking use of artificial intelligence. These issues help address influence mechanisms and the psychological effects of passive, uncritical digital consumption.
Workshops often end with a reflection on the importance of putting the phone down: not grabbing it first thing in the morning, avoiding late-night use, and creating screen-free moments are simple ways to regain everyday balance.
The central message of these workshops is clear: bring what is essential back to the heart of daily life: human connection, genuine presence, and the ability to make informed choices in a complex digital environment. A message which, in truth, is just as relevant for many adults.