Rijeka students launch initiative to combat online peer violence

High school students in Rijeka, Croatia, have launched the 21st edition of the ‘Akcija za 5!’ project, focusing on finding solutions to online peer violence. Approximately 30 students from 16 different high schools are participating in the initiative, working in mixed teams to design concrete projects aimed at creating a safer digital environment.

The program, supported by the City of Rijeka and mentored by the Delta Association, allows students to simulate the role of decision-makers by managing a budget of 800 euros. From this fund, 100 euros will be awarded to the winning team, while 700 euros will be used to implement the selected project through the end of the first half of the year.

Experts involved in the project highlighted the severity of the issue, noting that one in three students has encountered some form of cyberbullying, and one in four admits to committing it. Challenges such as the inability to perceive digital actions as violence, the rise of AI-generated manipulated content, and a lack of reporting due to fear are key areas of concern addressed by the program.