On April 13, 2024, the virtual workshop “Promoting Intercultural Dialogue Online Among Youth” took place, facilitated by “BRAVO” in collaboration with “GAYCS”. Supported and co-funded by the Erasmus+ program, this workshop aimed to address the pressing issue of homophobic cyberbullying targeting LGBTQI youth.
The overarching aim of the workshop was to prevent homophobic cyberbullying among young people, particularly focusing on fostering respectful language and behavior in digital spaces. The specific objectives included promoting respectful language towards LGBTQI communities online, spreading awareness on the theme of homophobic cyberbullying, and creating a network of youth associations and workers dedicated to prevention efforts.
The one-day training course provided a platform for youth workers to enhance their skills in promoting intercultural dialogue online.
Participants from Italy, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Bosnia, Albania, and Montenegro convened for this purpose. Through interactive sessions and discussions, participants explored strategies to combat homophobic cyber-bullying and foster inclusive digital environments.
The workshop served as a vital platform for empowering youth workers and fostering cross – cultural connections in the fight against homophobic cyber-bullying. By equipping participants with the necessary skills and knowledge, the event aimed to catalyze positive change and create a safer online environment for LGBTQI youth.
ABOUT THE PROJECT:
The general aim of the project is to prevent homophobic cyberbullying among young people: a form of bullying that takes place over digital devices and platforms like mobile phones, computers, social media and tablets perpetrated against LGBTQI youth (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intrasexual). The main object will be reached through the attainment of the following specific objectives:
- Promotion of a respectful language used through digital devices and platforms referred to LGBTQI;
- Spreading a respectful and appropriate language against LGBTQI, particularly in the use of internet and social media;
- Creating a permanent network of youth associations and Youth Workers to promote prevention and raise awareness on the theme of the homophobic cyberbullying.
Specifically, the proposal virtual activities involve youth workers giving them the opportunity to develop a virtual exchange project with other colleagues from different countries.
Thanks to the project, youth workers will become true factors of change in preventing homophobic cyberbullying by guiding and supporting young people inside and outside the consortium.