On the first day, online games was the major issue on the agenda. After thematic introductions and breaking-out in groups to discuss report findings, risks, challenges and ways of formulating awareness about online games, the afternoon was dedicated to hands-on experience at the Danish Gaming School, an organisation which advocates quality time with games and offers relevant training, including safer use elements.

The second day of training focused on youth panels. 11 countries in the network currently run youth panels as a means for young people to voice their concerns, needs and ideas on use of communication technologies. Furthermore, active and motivated youth panels can help reaching this demanding target group. Hard-hitting messages can’t be devised without first consulting young people, who are at the heart of all awareness campaigns. That’s why students from the Copenhagen International School and other young Danish people shared their online experiences with Insafe network members.

A morning of introduction to interviewing techniques and a fruitful afternoon of exchange of practices and thematic break-out sessions brought the 5th training session to an end.

At this training meeting, participants had the chance to work out on wii consoles, discover the World of Warcraft video game, play a virtual guitar and interview avid young gamers. In that way insafers realised the crucial need to stay apace of young users’ needs and interests and to employ technology to the needs of awareness raising.

The mission of the Insafe cooperation network is to empower citizens to use the internet, as well as other online technologies, positively, safely and effectively. The network calls for shared responsibility for the protection of the rights and needs of citizens, in particular children and youths, by government, educators, parents, media, industry and all other relevant actors. Insafe partners work closely together to share best practice, information and resources. The network interacts with industry, schools and families in the aim of empowering people to bridge the digital divide between home and school and between generations.

The Gaming School is the first house for electronic sports in Denmark. It applies the moto “less but better”, which implies coaching to learn to spend more quality than quantity time with games. Besides training in specific games, the Gaming School offers sessions in Safer Internet as well as video editing of gaming content for online broad-casting. Also course for teachers and other authorities are offered, in corporation with governmental institutions.

Insafe Portal:
www.saferinternet.org  
www.gamingschool.dk