CERV Project STAND UP

Protecting children, connecting cities – Εxchange of best practices on bullying and violence in the digital space

STAND UP is a European city network that works together to protect children and young people from violence in the digital space and to strengthen their resilience in a networked world. In an era where children and young people are increasingly threatened by cyberbullying, sexting and deepfake manipulation, the project creates innovative spaces for participation to strengthen their digital resilience. Girls, LGBTQ+ youth, and children with disabilities are particularly affected—STAND UP places their perspectives at the center of its approach.
Together with partner cities in Graz (AT), Izola (SI), and Kifissia (GR), participatory and gender-sensitive strategies are developed that make prevention tangible and impactful across Europe. Three key activities connect education, engagement, and policy relevance:

  • Participatory workshops: Children and young people reflect on their experiences with digital violence and develop their own protection strategies and interactive exhibits. As youth ambassadors, they contribute their perspectives throughout the project.
  • Interactive SAFE Space installations: In each city, an immersive exhibition is created that makes the emotional and structural impacts of digital violence visible. Exhibits such as “Fake Love” or “Digital Tattoo” encourage reflection and promote empathy and media literacy.
  • Transnational Congresses “Protecting Children, Connecting Cities”: Young people, professionals, and policymakers exchange best practices. The goal is to collect and share ideas that help strengthen children’s digital resilience.

All results feed into the European Resilience Hub—an open-access online platform for protection strategies, educational materials, and best practices. The EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child (2021) and the Gender Equality Strategy 2020–2025 highlight the importance of concrete measures to protect children in the digital space—STAND UP brings this European mandate to life, both locally and transnationally.

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