KRALENDIJK – For six months, young people from Bonaire participated in the Digital Awareness Academy. The project targeted young people aged 12 to 17 and aimed to promote safe, conscious, and responsible use of social media and digital technology.
During lessons and interactive workshops, participants learned to deal with online risks, cyberbullying, privacy, and healthy screen use. They also gained basic knowledge about artificial intelligence (AI) and learned to critically evaluate information found online.
Organiser BITES BV worked together with a police officer and a psychologist. This broad approach ensured that young people not only developed digital skills, but that attention was also paid to the mental impact of online behaviour.
The Youth Policy Advisor emphasises that digital resilience is becoming increasingly important for young people. By raising their awareness of online risks, work is being done to create a safe digital environment and responsible citizenship on Bonaire. He highlighted the role of businesses and organisations: only through a joint effort can young people be protected from the social challenges they face on a daily basis.
Positive reflection
BITES BV looks back on the project with satisfaction. The organisation hopes that the participating young people will continue to apply the knowledge they have gained and share it with those around them.
