🇱🇹 Lithuania Team
Preparation Activities – DiGiSC Youth Exchange
Digital Storytelling for Social Change
As part of the preparation phase of the DiGiSC – Digital Storytelling for Social Change Youth Exchange, the team from Lithuania explored the growing issue of cyberbullying and online safety among young people.
Through group discussions, research, and creative visual storytelling posters, participants examined how social media and digital communication influence young people's daily lives. The team focused on understanding the causes, impacts, and prevention of cyberbullying, as well as identifying existing initiatives that support young people who experience online harassment.
These themes were then translated into a series of posters that highlight the importance of responsible communication, empathy, and digital awareness.
Social Issue: Cyberbullying Among Young People
One of the main topics explored by the Lithuanian team is cyberbullying, which has become an increasingly significant problem in the digital age.
As highlighted in the poster "Think Before You Speak", social media is an essential part of young people's lives. While it provides opportunities for communication and connection, it can also create environments where harmful behavior occurs.
Cyberbullying includes actions such as:
-
spreading harmful messages or rumors online
-
sending threatening or insulting messages
-
excluding individuals from online groups
-
sharing embarrassing photos or information without consent
Because online communication is often fast and anonymous, harmful messages can spread quickly and affect large audiences.
The poster emphasizes an important message:
Before posting or sending messages online, people should think about the potential consequences of their words.
Targets and Consequences of Bullying
The Lithuanian team also explored who is most often affected by bullying and cyberbullying.
The poster "Targets of Bullying" highlights that individuals who appear "different" in some way are often more vulnerable to harassment. This may include differences in appearance, interests, personality, background, or identity.
Young people who experience bullying may face several challenges, including:
-
anxiety and emotional stress
-
decreased self-confidence
-
feelings of isolation
-
difficulty feeling socially accepted
-
emotional exhaustion and fear of participation in social environments
Cyberbullying can be particularly harmful because it may continue 24 hours a day, even outside school or social spaces.
Understanding these consequences helps highlight the importance of creating safer and more respectful digital environments.
Existing Initiatives and Support Systems
The Lithuanian team also explored several initiatives designed to prevent bullying and support young people facing online harassment.
The poster "Existing Initiatives" highlights several programs and support systems currently available in Lithuania.
School-Based Prevention Programs
Many schools implement awareness programs that educate students about respectful communication, empathy, and responsible online behavior.
Vaikų Linija (Children's Line)
"Vaikų Linija" is a support hotline that provides confidential assistance to children and young people experiencing emotional difficulties, including bullying and online harassment.
ePolice
Digital reporting tools allow individuals to report online crimes, harassment, or harmful digital behavior directly to authorities.
Promoting Positive Communication
Educational campaigns encourage young people to support each other and build respectful digital communities.
These initiatives demonstrate how education, support services, and digital tools can help reduce cyberbullying and support young people in need.
Digital Awareness and Online Safety
Another important message emphasized by the Lithuanian team is the importance of building a safe and respectful internet environment.
As highlighted in the poster "Let's Create a Friendly Internet Together," creating a safer digital space requires cooperation between young people, educators, families, and institutions.
Key actions include:
-
encouraging responsible online communication
-
reporting harmful online behavior
-
supporting peers who experience bullying
-
promoting empathy and understanding in digital interactions
Through these efforts, communities can work together to build a more positive and inclusive online environment.
Conclusion
The preparation activities carried out by the Lithuania team highlight the growing importance of addressing cyberbullying and promoting responsible digital communication among young people.
By examining the causes and impacts of online harassment, participants gained a deeper understanding of how digital environments influence social relationships and mental well-being.
Through digital storytelling, these experiences and insights can be transformed into powerful messages that promote awareness, empathy, and positive behavioral change.
The Lithuanian team's work will contribute to the DiGiSC Youth Exchange, where participants from different countries will collaborate to create digital stories that encourage safer online communities and stronger social connections.
