SAFEline Workshop in Sarajevo Brought Young People Together Around Mental Health and Digital Safety

As part of the SAFEline initiative, our partners in Sarajevo successfully organised a two-day workshop focused on mental health, digital safety and youth empowerment. The activity brought together around 50 pupils from various secondary schools across Sarajevo Canton.

The workshop created an educational and interactive space where young people had the opportunity to discuss some of the most pressing challenges facing today's digital generation, including cyberbullying, online violence, privacy, artificial intelligence and emotional wellbeing.

The event was officially opened by Prof. Dr. Meliha Bašić, Dean of the Faculty of Economics in Sarajevo, who underlined the importance of educating young people in a rapidly changing digital environment. Those present were also addressed by Iman Čoko, a young member of the Stari Grad Municipal Council, who highlighted the importance of active youth participation in society.

On behalf of the organisers, participants were welcomed by Dr. Sci. Amra Alagić and Prof. Ass. Kemal Kačapor, who stressed the value of creating safe and supportive spaces for young people to learn, discuss and develop.

A significant part of the programme was the presentation of research on digital transformation and new forms of peer violence in online spaces in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Discussions focused on cyberbullying, anonymity, virality, digital footprints and the online habits of young people.

Educational sessions and interactive workshops were led by Melisa Alagić-Hadžialić and Anesa Vilić, covering topics such as cyberbullying and online violence, digital risks, the bystander effect, the impact of social media on mental health, calming techniques and building healthy digital habits.

The second day of the SAFEline workshop was devoted to digital safety and hands-on learning. Participants were introduced to the fundamentals of online security by Prof. Kemal Kačapor, who explained key concepts including secure passwords, two-factor authentication, data protection and the importance of keeping systems regularly updated.

In a further session, Dr. Sci. Amra Alagić addressed modern online threats, with particular focus on artificial intelligence, digital manipulation, phishing, identity theft and protecting privacy online.

The workshop also included practical group activities, where participants worked together to solve tasks, presented ideas and strengthened their teamwork and critical thinking skills. The activity concluded with an interactive knowledge quiz, in which the most successful teams received symbolic prizes.

The SAFEline workshop in Sarajevo demonstrated the value of regional cooperation and of youth-focused initiatives that address digital safety and mental wellbeing together. Through education, dialogue and interactive learning, the project continues to equip young people with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate the digital world more safely, more responsibly and with greater confidence.

The organisers thank all participants, speakers, educators and partners for their contribution to creating an inspiring atmosphere and for their active engagement throughout the two days of the workshop.