IGF 2025 Lightning Talk #1 Adolescents Online: Balancing Digital Risks & Resilience

    IGF Czechia
    Natalie Tercova, IGF Czechia, academia, Eastern Europe
    Speakers
    Natalie Tercova, IGF Czechia, academia, Eastern Europe
    Onsite Moderator
    Natalie Tercova, IGF Czechia, academia, Eastern Europe
    Rapporteur
    Natalie Tercova, IGF Czechia, academia, Eastern Europe
    SDGs
    3. Good Health and Well-Being
    5. Gender Equality
    10. Reduced Inequalities


    Targets: This session aligns with SDG 5 (Gender Equality) by addressing how digital skills and online experiences differ for boys and girls. It highlights gender disparities in digital literacy and explores how social and educational factors shape young people’s ability to navigate online risks and opportunities. It also contributes to SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by emphasizing that not all adolescents have the same level of digital skills. Socioeconomic background, education, and access to resources play a crucial role in shaping digital resilience. Finally, it connects to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by examining how digital literacy influences exposure to online risks and resilience, ultimately affecting one's wellbeing.
    Format
    lightning talk
    Duration (minutes)
    30
    Description
    As European adolescents navigate the digital world, their experiences are shaped by a complex interplay of digital skills, individual traits, and social environments. While digital literacy is often seen as a protective factor, recent research highlights that not all digital skills function the same way—some empower young users to seize opportunities, while others help them mitigate risks. This lightning talk will present new research insights into how different types of digital skills influence adolescents’ online experiences, focusing on: a) The differentiated role of digital skills in shaping both online opportunities and vulnerabilities b) How individual characteristics (e.g., age, gender) affect digital resilience c) The influence of social factors (e.g., parental mediation, peer support) in moderating online risks and opportunities By unpacking these dynamics, this session will offer a nuanced perspective on adolescent digital resilience, moving beyond a one-size-fits-all approach.

    This lightning talk will present key research findings in a clear and engaging way. To make the session more interactive, it will include visuals and live online voting (Mentimeter), giving the audience a chance to participate and share their perspectives in real time.