Empowering Youth Voices: Insights from the Focus Group - Safebook for Safe Youth Project

Imagine a world where cyberbullying fades, peer pressure crumbles, and mental health takes center stage. It’s a future worth fighting for! Safebook for Safe Youth projects aims to provide a manual called “Safebook” that promotes a Safety culture among young people.

In the creation of this manual, a focus group was held, featuring young individuals, to comprehensively address five key areas of youth safety:

• Cyberbullying: Hiding behind screens doesn’t make it okay. Our youth advocates demanded action against online harassment, calling for education, reporting systems, and responsible digital citizenship.
• Peer violence: It’s not just physical fights. The group addressed emotional pressure, social exclusion, and bullying in all its forms. Their solutions? Empathy workshops, bystander intervention training, and building respectful relationships.
• Substance abuse: Breaking free from harmful dependencies. Youth voices highlighted the need for awareness campaigns, addiction support services, and fostering healthy coping mechanisms.
• Discrimination: Whether based on identity, appearance, or background, it has no place in our world. The group emphasized inclusivity, diversity training, and celebrating differences.
• Mental health: It’s time to end the stigma. Young participants called for open conversations, de-stressing activities, and accessible mental health resources.

This wasn’t just talk – it was action! Their solutions focused on:

• Education: Equipping young people with the knowledge and skills to face these challenges head-on.
• Awareness: Shining a light on these issues and breaking the silence.
• Policy changes: Advocating for laws and regulations that protect young people.
• Support systems: Building stronger communities and accessible resources for help and guidance.
• Inclusive environments: Fostering spaces where everyone feels safe, valued, and accepted.

These young voices spoke volumes. They didn’t just identify problems; they offered solutions with passion and clarity. This isn’t just about their future; it’s about creating a safer and more supportive world for everyone.

join the movement by

• Spreading the word! Share this message and amplify the voices of young changemakers.
• Speaking up! Share your own experiences and ideas for creating a better future for all young people.

Together, we can empower young voices and build a world where every young person feels safe, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.