Keywords: prevention, empowerment, education

Project management: Dr. habil. Bastian Pelka

Project description:

Get Online Week (GOW) is entering its 11th round in Dortmund in 2025. It is part of the European campaign "All-digital-Week", which aims to reduce the digital divide and promote participation. In cooperation with the Social Research Center Dortmund, 8 students from the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at TU Dortmund University are developing workshops on prevention in the digital world and carrying them out in various institutions.

Project goals:

Course 1: Cyberbullying
This course is aimed at pupils from the 5th grade and lasts approx. 90 minutes. Participants learn what cyberbullying is, how it affects those affected and how to recognize such situations. In addition, strategies for preventing and dealing with cyberbullying are taught. The focus is on strengthening the class group, promoting empathy and respectful behavior in the digital world.

Course 2: Sexual violence on the internet

This course aims to remove the taboos surrounding sexual violence on the internet and reduce inhibitions when dealing with it. Participants will learn how to promote open and respectful communication in order to better support children and young people in conversations about this sensitive topic. Case studies are used to provide information about the frequency and dangers of sexual violence. Together, we will show ways in which a secure basis of trust can be created in order to recognize risks at an early stage and take preventative action.

Course 3: Dealing with beauty ideals on social media
In this course, children and young people learn how to develop a healthy relationship with their body image. They will learn how filters, image editing and techniques such as certain camera settings can greatly change their outward appearance. Real-life examples are used to illustrate that individual characteristics are completely normal. After analyzing these examples, the participants reflect on their impressions, exchange ideas in the group and discuss the effects of such beauty ideals. The aim is to give children and young people more self-confidence and a critical view of social media.

Course 4: Sensitive content
This course is aimed at parents who are looking for answers to questions such as the following:

• What is sensitive content on the internet?
• How can I protect my child from such content?
• What options are there for filtering or blocking problematic content?
• What can I do if my child is confronted with sensitive content such as death, violence or suicide?

Social media such as Instagram or TikTok are part of everyday life today, but the line between everyday and harmful content is often blurred. This course teaches how algorithms work and how quickly children can come into contact with sensitive content. At the same time, participants will receive practical tips on how to react in an emergency and how to empower their children.

General e-mail: gow2025.ps.rehatu-dortmundde

Instagram: @getonlineweek2025