The training course “Behind the screens” brought together youth workers from different countries with a shared goal: to better understand and navigate the rapidly evolving digital world. Throughout the week, participants developed practical skills in media literacy, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, while also strengthening their ability to critically engage with digital content and transfer this knowledge into their youth work practice.
From the very first day, the project set a strong foundation. Sessions on critical thinking and cognitive biases introduced an essential mindset for the rest of the training – questioning information, recognizing manipulation and reflecting on how our thinking is shaped.
A key focus of the project was AI. Participants explored both basic and advanced AI concepts, including its practical applications and potential risks. Through hands-on experiences such as generating music, creating AI based visuals and analyzing AI generated content, they gained insight into how powerful and accessible these tools have become. Importantly, discussions also addressed ethical concerns, misinformation and the limitations of AI.
Digital literacy and cybersecurity were another central pillar of the training. Through practical exercises, participants discovered how much personal information is publicly available online. They reflected on their own digital footprints. Activities such as checking for leaked passwords and analyzing data privacy risks made the topic highly relevant and personal. These sessions equipped participants with concrete strategies to protect themselves and others, including safe online practices, stronger security habits and critical evaluation of digital content.
The project also emphasized media literacy and the fight against disinformation. Participants engaged in activities where they had to distinguish between real and AI generated images, videos and music. This highlighted how difficult it has become to identify authentic content and it led to deeper discussions about propaganda, manipulation and the role of AI in shaping public opinion. These skills are super important for youth workers supporting young people in the digital age.
An important aspect of the training was the development of participants’ own workshops. Working in teams, they designed and delivered sessions on diverse topics such as website creation, architecture, guitar learning, logical fallacies and interactive escape rooms. These workshops combined creativity with educational value, often including interactive elements like quizzes and group challenges. Through continuous feedback and reflection, participants improved their facilitation skills, time management and ability to engage an audience which are key competencies for effective youth work.
Beyond the structured sessions, the intercultural dimension of the project was continuously present and stood out as one of the most important aspects of the experience. Intercultural evenings, informal activities and shared experiences allowed participants to connect, exchange perspectives and learn from each other’s cultures. Visiting the border area of Ceuta also added a powerful real world perspective, sparking discussions about migration, media narratives and the complexity of global issues.
By the end of the training, participants not only gained new knowledge and tools but also developed a more critical and responsible approach to the digital environment. The project successfully achieved its objectives by empowering youth workers to: critically analyze digital and AI generated content; promote safer and more ethical online behavior; apply AI tools in a meaningful and responsible way; support young people in navigating misinformation and digital risks.
Overall, “Behind the screens” was not just about understanding technology but about understanding its impact on people, society and youth work. The combination of practical learning, critical reflection and intercultural exchange made this experience both educational and transformative, leaving participants better prepared to bring positive change into their communities.
