Skopje, 21 February 2024 (MIA) - Cyber-violence is on the rise and victims would much rather report it to fellow students than teachers or competent services, highlighted Wednesday's event about strengthening young people's capacities for dealing with cyber-security and cyber-violence.

Project manager Maja Hristovska said the project aims to strengthen the capacities of young people or students in implementing cybersecurity measures, and reduce rising cyber violence.

"During the project, we implemented trainings aimed to improve study programs, workshops with young people and established the concept of peer education, because research showed that young people are more likely to report any form of violence, especially cyber violence, to fellow students, than professors or competent services," Hristovska said.

Minister of Education and Science Jeton Shaqiri pointed out that the ministry is committed to the National Strategy and Action Plan for cybersecurity, which aims to raise awareness and knowledge about cybersecurity, on all education levels for all stakeholders in that field.

"Education plays a key role in helping young people become individuals who, in addition to knowledge and skills, will also have moral standards. The Ministry acts in the direction of creating non-violent individuals, while at the same time allowing young people to acquire knowledge on how to recognize and deal with the dangers hiding behind every click," Shaqiri stressed.

He noted that online violence is on the rise.

"Digital technology, through social media, messaging and game platforms, in addition to numerous positive contributions in the broader sense, exposes us to privacy and security threats. Children and young people are the most vulnerable. Reforming the education system, through study programs, promotes a non-violent way of solving conflicts and measures for dealing with violence, including cyber violence," Shaqiri stated.

He also highlighted the training program for professional development of teachers.

"The program will create a safe and stimulating environment for learning, dealing with peer and cyber violence. Strengthening of professional competencies is done with expert collaborators, as an important tool in the education process," said Shaqiri.

In cooperation with international partner organizations, the Ministry organized cybersecurity trainings for students, teachers and parents, while with the help of the Ministry of Information Society and Administration, work is being done to improve digital skills of children, young people, parents and teachers.

"We installed new ICT equipment in 40 primary schools, where the content search is limited only to educational needs, enabling safe access to the Internet," Shaqiri added.

Photo: MIA