We created this innovation in response to a growing disconnect between young people’s digital realities and the support systems around them. Bans and restrictions are often used as a first response to online risks, yet they do not prevent access—students will always find ways to engage with digital content, often without guidance. This leaves them exposed rather than protected.
At the same time, many teachers feel underprepared to address digital literacy, misinformation, and online risks in meaningful ways. As a result, students frequently turn to peers—who may be equally uninformed—or to parents for support. However, parents often feel isolated and unequipped to handle rapidly evolving digital challenges, unsure where to turn or how to respond effectively.
This innovation was created to bridge these gaps. It recognises that real safety comes not from restriction, but from building skills, resilience, and critical understanding. By supporting teachers, empowering parents, and engaging students as active learners, the approach creates a shared responsibility across the whole community.
Ultimately, we aim to move from a culture of control to one of confidence—where young people are equipped to navigate the digital world safely, thoughtfully, and independently.
In practice, this innovation is implemented as a coordinated, whole-community approach through three tailored handbooks and training resources for teachers, parents, and school leaders. Each group is supported with practical tools, real-life scenarios, and step-by-step guidance to build digital literacy, resilience, and confidence.
Teachers integrate digital literacy across subjects using ready-to-use activities, helping students question information, recognise risks, and respond critically in everyday learning. School leaders embed these practices into policies, safeguarding systems, and staff development, ensuring a consistent, whole-school approach.
At the same time, parents are supported with accessible guidance and conversation tools to engage with their children as co-learners, rather than relying on control or restriction.
Together, these actions create a 360-degree support system where students learn to navigate digital environments safely and responsibly, while adults around them are equipped to guide, model, and respond effectively.
It has been in use in the countries implementing the DRONE Erasmus+ project, and then in 10+ countries as part of the large-scale training provided in Europe, Africa and Central Asia. It has also been spread via the channels of the European Year of Digital Citizenship Education of the Council of Europe as well as scientific dissemination to teacher training institutions via journal articles and scientific conferences.
Read the relevant handbook's chapters that are relevant for you, and implement the tools. If you are a teacher or school leader, also recommend the parent handbook to the parents of your students. Also, get in touch with us.
