CyberSafety

The Genesis of Our Project

Our journey began with an ambitious goal: to understand the risks associated with online activities among young adults- specifically between the ages of 18 to 24-  and to try to educate them about these risks. With an alarming percentage of youth globally experiencing some level of cyber insecurity and a lot of reporting instances of cyberstalking, our mission was clear. We aim to empower young individuals with the tools they need to navigate the digital world securely and confidently, and create a platform that has expert resources that they can access to do so. Apps such as Snapchat, which is super popular in France, pose a lot risks with features such as location sharing, of which anyone can track 

The Evolution of Our Focus

Initially, our project explored various avenues of social issues within urban environments, like crime and lack of mentorship for high-risk teenagers. However, through engaging with French students and experts, it became evident that as semi-fluent French speakers, these project plans would not be successful due to communication challenges. 

 Cyber safety was a pressing concern that crossed geographic and demographic boundaries, affecting a vast array of individuals regardless of their offline realities.This pivot was not just a shift in focus but a strategic realignment that allowed us to tap into a more universal concern: the digital well-being of young individuals. Our research showed that early education in digital safety could drastically reduce these risks, which steered us towards developing a digital platform aimed at cyber education.

Group Dynamics and Collaborative Efforts

The progression of our project has been a testament to the power of teamwork and collective insight. Being a team of 5 young women from 5 different countries and 3 continents, each member brings unique perspectives and expertise to the table, allowing us to blend diverse ideas into a cohesive strategy. Our group dynamics have been characterized by open communication and mutual respect in weekly meetings, which have been pivotal in navigating the challenges and pivots our project has encountered.

Methodology and Research

Our approach has been deeply rooted in evidence-based research and user-centered design. By employing methods like digital surveys and interviews with cyber safety experts, we’ve gathered substantial data to shape our educational content. Moreover, collaborations with several cyber safety organizations have enriched our understanding and enabled us to leverage their experiences to refine our strategies.

Impact and Future Directions

The response to our initial testing has been overwhelmingly positive, underscoring the urgent need for such resources. As we continue to develop our platform, our focus remains on expanding its reach and depth. The project is not just about awareness—it’s about creating a lasting impact that equips young individuals with knowledge to protect themselves and advocate for safer online environments.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while our journey has had its share of challenges, the lessons learned and the progress made have been incredibly rewarding. As we look to the future, our team is excited about the potential of our cyber safety platform to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people. Through continued collaboration, research, and innovation, we aim to set a new standard for how cyber safety education is delivered and perceived.