CAN YOU TELL WHAT'S REAL?

BeSmartOnline Delivers AI and Online Safety Workshop for Young People at Rights4U in Gozo.

BeSmartOnline, Malta's Safer Internet Centre, delivered an interactive AI and online safety workshop for young people during the Rights4U Live-in in Gozo, organised by the Office of the Commissioner for Children. The session focused on AI generated content, misinformation, AI companions, deepfakes, online grooming and practical ways young people can verify what they encounter online.

As part of the wider programme promoting children's rights and participation, Davinia-Marie Muscat, Leader of BeSmartOnline, led an engaging session exploring the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence (AI). Through interactive discussions and hands-on activities, participants developed critical thinking skills, learned how to question and verify potentially AI-generated content and misleading information.

BeSmartOnline thanks the Office of the Commissioner for Children for the opportunity to contribute to Rights4U. Collaborations such as these strengthen our shared commitment to empowering children and young people with the knowledge, skills and confidence to enjoy the opportunities of technology while navigating the online world safely and responsibly.

HOW CAN YOUNG PEOPLE CHECK WHAT'S REAL ONLINE?

The workshop encouraged young people to think critically about online content and the growing challenge of distinguishing between real and AI generated material. Participants learned practical verification techniques, including checking reliable sources and using reverse image searches, while exploring how AI can generate convincing but inaccurate information.

WHAT ONLINE AND AI RISKS SHOULD YOUNG PEOPLE BE AWARE OF?

Through interactive scenarios, participants explored AI companions, healthy relationships and digital wellbeing, alongside risks such as online grooming, deepfakes and AI-generated abuse. The activities helped them recognise warning signs, understand manipulation and know when to seek support.

WHERE CAN YOUNG PEOPLE GET HELP IN MALTA?

BeSmartOnline highlighted the importance of speaking up when something online feels wrong. Participants learned about support through Helpline 179 and ChildWebAlert for reporting online child sexual abuse material, helping them make safer, more informed choices online.