The first session of the “Resilience and Empathy-Oriented Approach Against Cyberbullying Workshop” which was  hosted by the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) and organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Family and Social Services, the Ministry of National Education, Selçuk University, and Batman University, was held today at the RTÜK Conference Hall in Ankara. 

RTÜK President Mehmet Daniş, at his opening speech, emphasized the importance of fostering and creating a common awareness against cyberbullying, which emerged as one of the major problems of the digital age. He stated that the rapid development of internet technologies has changed communication methods, and that the digital tools have facilitated information access. He also mentioned that online education applications, have become widespread during the pandemic, and they offer significant opportunities for young people, adding that the young people are not only accessing information but also producing, sharing, and directing it. He emphasized that recent developments leaded this crucial issue lately.   

Project Focus on Combating Cyberbullying
Mr. Daniş emphasized that cyberbullying is a serious global issue, particularly affecting children and young people. He highlighted the importance of addressing lack of empathy and psycho-social aspects. The project, led by the Supreme Council under the Erasmus+ Program, aims to promote digital citizenship, foster empathy-based communication, and support young people in managing online challenges. The initiative involves collaboration with universities, academics, and experts.

“Young people are recognized as active stakeholders in the digital world”
RTÜK President Daniş stated that RTÜK aims to shape the digital zone as to be human-centered, safe, ethical, and inclusive, not only a regulated area. He emphasized that protecting, and empowering young people, and raising their awareness are core responsibilities.

Mr. Daniş stated that these efforts aim to help young people become more conscious, empathetic, confident, responsible, and secure in the digital world.

‘Two guides to be presented to the public.’
Mr. Daniş announced the preparation of two key guides to achieve sustainable results aligned with the project's objectives. One of them is “The Guide to Protecting the Best Interests of the Child in Bullying News” which is for media organizations; it outlines recommended approaches while reporting on children in bullying cases. The guide addresses the balance between the child's best interests and the public's right to information, within the principles of confidentiality and privacy, and it highlights the long-term impact of responsible journalism.

Awareness campaign for parents’
Mr. Daniş explained that the second guide is “Parents’ Guide to Recognizing Bullying Behaviors.” This guide draws attention to alarming behaviors, known as ‘Red Flags’ in international literature, and aims to enable parents to recognize risks in advance and intervene consciously.

RTÜK President Mehmet Daniş announced that both guidelines will be shared with the public at the workshop's concluding statement program to be held on Wednesday, February 11th.

‘‘Aiming for stronger cooperation with young people.’

President Daniş stated that young people are not only individuals who need protection, but they are also  stakeholders who are actively involved in shaping the digital world. He added that, they aim to create a stronger foundation for cooperation with young people during the upcoming period.

Stating that studies are being carried out on platforms and participatory mechanisms where young people can directly express their views, President Daniş said that the aim of the planned projects is to create sustainable structures where young people can share their experiences, find solutions to problems, and communicate directly with institutions.

Mr. Daniş noted that cooperation with universities, non-governmental organizations, and youth organizations would be strengthened. He also added that efforts lacking active participation of young people in the process cannot be effective and sustainable.

He indicated that, investing in young people through a quantum leadership approach is defined by the understanding of 'Managing the Future Today', and also the culture of cooperation based on mutual learning forms the foundation of all actions and conducted works.

RTÜK President wished the workshop will be success and thanked the institutions, academicians, stakeholders, and young people for their contributions.

At the workshop, Feyza Gizligider, Head of the RTÜK Strategy Development Department, and academicians from Batman University and Selçuk University presented empathy-based initiatives to raise digital awareness among young people and to empower them when addressing cyberbullying.