The internet is no longer simply a place to search for information. For adolescents and young people, it is where they connect with others, shape their identities, learn what is happening around the world and find many of the references that influence how they understand their surroundings.
But as the digital world becomes more complex, new forms of violence are also emerging and placing those who use it at risk.
Digital violence is not a problem of the future. It is already affecting children and adolescents. Data from U-Report Guatemala show that 44 per cent of adolescents and young people know someone who has experienced violence online, while 37 per cent say they know someone who has promoted this type of violence.
Prevention and education are therefore essential. The challenge goes beyond teaching young people how to use technology. It is also about building a digital citizenship that can identify risks, protect personal information and exercise rights online.
A partnership bringing digital safety closer to young people
Fundación Azteca Guatemala created Gira Vive to bring public institutions, local governments, organizations and United Nations agencies together to provide children and adolescents with tools that support their well-being.
Through games, artistic performances, interactive spaces and participatory activities, Gira Vive promotes digital safety, drug-use prevention, well-being and skills for life.
Over the past two years, the Joint Programme Enabling Digital Transformation and Improving Public Service Delivery at Scale in Guatemala has joined the initiative, incorporating content on digital literacy and online safety.
Implemented by UNDP, UNICEF and UNESCO, the joint programme supports Guatemala’s efforts to advance a more inclusive digital transformation. It is supported by the European Union through the Global Gateway initiative and the Joint SDG Fund.
Through the collaboration with Gira Vive, United Nations agencies including UNESCO and UNODC have brought adolescents and young people practical tools to better understand the digital environment and use technology safely, critically and responsibly.
As Montserrat Vidal, Coordinator for Communication and Information at UNESCO Guatemala, explains:
“Gira Vive is a mechanism that allows us to raise awareness among young people about the risks of the digital world. But beyond that, it is a tool that can help young people live better.”
During the latest Gira Vive event in Sololá, more than 1,800 adolescents from urban and rural communities gained access to information and tools to help them live free from violence and drugs.
A digital transformation that also protects rights
Digital transformation is often associated with platforms, artificial intelligence or more efficient public services. But technology only reaches its full potential when people have the knowledge and skills to use it safely and exercise their rights.
An inclusive digital transformation means preparing new generations to identify risks, protect their privacy, think critically and participate responsibly in digital spaces. It also means building partnerships that bring these opportunities to communities across the country so that no one is left behind.
Initiatives such as Gira Vive demonstrate that digital transformation is not only about introducing new technologies. It is also about ensuring that children and adolescents can navigate the digital world safely and confidently, with the tools they need to build a better future.
A meaningful digital transformation does more than connect institutions. It protects rights and expands opportunities for everyone.
Originally published by UNESCO.
Note:
All joint programmes of the Joint SDG Fund are led by UN Resident Coordinators and implemented by the agencies, funds and programmes of the United Nations development system. With sincere appreciation for the contributions from the European Union and Governments of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, Kingdom of the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, the Republic of Korea, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the Arab Gulf Programme for Development for a transformative movement towards achieving the SDGs by 2030.
