“Record conversation” in Brest: experts told young people about cyber threats, bullying and legal literacy

Branch of Brest State Technical University Polytechnic College became a platform for the information and educational meeting “Recording conversation”. The event brought together students of four institutions of secondary special education of the city: the branch of BRSTU Polytechnic College, Brest State Trade and Technology College, Business and Law College and Brest State Music College named after G. Shirma.

In the format of an open dialogue, experts spoke about modern threats in the digital space, legal aspects of online behavior and real responsibility for illegal actions. Special attention was paid to how to recognize risks, avoid dangerous situations and protect personal data. BRSM representatives spoke about the main directions of the organization, its initiatives and opportunities for self-realization, participation in socially significant projects and the implementation of their own ideas.

Second Secretary of the Brest Regional Committee of BRSM NGO Maxim Rodionov noted that the topic of bullying and cyberbullying remains one of the most relevant for modern youth:

- In schools, colleges and universities, it is important for children not only to adapt to new conditions, but also to learn how to build healthy relationships with peers. Unfortunately, cases of bullying can lead to serious consequences, so our task is to respond in time and help young people. BRSM is actively working in this direction: we support children in educational institutions, develop initiatives aimed at creating a friendly and safe environment.

He also noted that BRSM operates both offline and digitally. Colleges and universities have first-year staffs, where students can address any question - from difficulties in communication to situations related to cyberbullying. Staff commanders and secretaries of primary organizations help to understand the problem and suggest where to turn for additional support.

A logical continuation of the conversation about a safe environment for adolescents was the topic of cyber threats. Senior operative for especially important cases of the Department for combating cybercrime of the Department of Internal Affairs of the Moscow district of Brest Ekaterina Rod noted:

- Young people today are the most active, yet vulnerable audience on the Internet. According to statistics, students most often become involved in cases of digital crimes. Someone loses money on phishing sites, someone falls for the tricks of phone scammers. Of particular concern are cases where adolescents are unknowingly involved in illegal activities as accomplices. Therefore, law enforcement officers regularly hold preventive meetings with schoolchildren and students: in the format of a live dialogue, they analyze real fraudulent schemes and teach them to recognize deception from the first seconds.

The topic of responsibility of adolescents was continued in the speech of representatives of the legal community. Member of the Council of Young Lawyers of the Brest Regional Bar Association Mikhail Lynko noted that an important element of risk prevention is the official employment of young people:

- It is important that every young person enter into an employment contract or contract and receive all the guarantees provided by law. This avoids situations where a person is completely unprotected and has no legal grounds to protect their interests. Administrative liability comes from the age of 14, and criminal - from 16. It is therefore essential to make it clear to adolescents that any wrongdoing has consequences and can be brought to justice.

The discussion was lively and showed that the issues raised really concern young people. Participants noted that such meetings help to see the problem more broadly – not only through theory, but also through real stories.

- I believe that the topic of bullying and negative manifestations in the youth environment is important, although I personally have not encountered such situations. Nevertheless, holding such events is useful: they give an opportunity to hear different points of view, to understand how to act if someone nearby needs support. In life I have seen such cases, and sometimes I was able to help – talk, support, try to find a way out together. It is important that adults and specialists also react, try to support a person in time and create a safe atmosphere for him, said Kira Zhur.

The test talk became an opportunity for young people not only to gain new knowledge, but also to learn how to apply them in real life, make balanced decisions, confidently act in difficult situations and actively participate in the positive initiatives of their city.