Working together to build digital resilience in the youngest generation

The workshops form part of an initiative by Child Focus, which is dedicated to children’s safety, both offline and online. During an interactive session lasting just over two hours volunteers engage with pupils on topics such as social media, online gaming and digital behaviour.

What makes this approach special? It’s all about interaction. Children are actively involved through relatable situations, questions and tasks. “You’re immediately immersed in their world,” says Kristof. “They recognise the games, the apps and the situations. This naturally gets the conversations flowing, and you can point out to them the dangers of the internet and social media, and what they should and shouldn’t do. That’s why I also think it’s important for someone from the school to be present at the workshop, so they know what’s going on in the classroom.

Peter is also impressed by the interactive format of the workshop. “Pupils actively contribute to the discussion, give their opinions and, above all, learn from one another.”

What struck both colleagues is how familiar children already are with the internet and social media, even though Belgian law only allows you to have a social media account from the age of 13. “If you ask in class who has a social media account, there are always a few hands going up. They manage to find a way to get round that age limit,” says Kristof.

However, that doesn’t mean they know how to use it safely. “They’re social media savvy,” says Peter, “but real internet skills and awareness of the risks are often less developed. I know all too well what the dangers of the internet are and how algorithms determine what you see, which is why I think it’s important to make children aware of the dangers.”

During the workshops, children learn, for example, what they should and shouldn’t share online, how to recognise inappropriate behaviour, and what to do if something goes wrong. And that they themselves also play an important role in stopping online bullying or the sharing of images.

An important message here is that you don’t always have to take active steps; sometimes, simply not participating is the right choice. Peter: “You can also stop online bullying by not forwarding a photo or video, because at that moment, you are the last link in the chain.”

Anyone signing up as a volunteer for this workshop need not worry about going out unprepared. Child Focus provides all the materials, including a ready-made presentation and guidance via an information session.

“You really don’t need to be an experienced teacher,” says Kristof. “With a bit of preparation, anyone can actually run this workshop.”

Peter particularly emphasises how valuable this is: “Actually, this workshop should be made compulsory in every primary school’s timetable, because it increases the chance that children will know how to use the internet and social media safely. And if this course ensures that just one child reacts better in a difficult situation as a result, then it has already been worth it for me.”

That is precisely why both colleagues believe IT professionals can play a key role in this. “We work with technology every day,” says Kristof. “So, it’s also our responsibility to pass on that knowledge and make children aware of the risks and how to stay safe online. For us as adults, it’s often difficult enough to judge whether something is real or not, especially with AI, let alone for children.”

Hence their call to other colleagues to sign up as volunteers with Child Focus to deliver a workshop too. Peter: “There is a shortage of volunteers, meaning not all schools can be helped, even though the impact of these workshops is significant and they reach thousands of children. There were 300 classes that were interested, but due to a lack of volunteers, the workshop could only be delivered to 191 classes. You’re doing something valuable, it’s educational and, above all, great fun, so sign up.”

Kristof: “And the great thing is that Sopra Steria’s management supports this. I’ve already discussed with our HR director to run a workshop in October as well.”