European Schoolnet has long been at the forefront of initiatives aimed at ensuring a safe and empowering online environment for young people. While the well-known Better Internet for Kids (BIK)initiative has been instrumental in promoting online safety across Europe, European Schoolnet is now spearheading another critical project: menABLE, specifically designed to tackle the pressing issue of gender-based violence (GBV) in the digital space.

In its latest podcast episode, European Schoolnet dives into Big Tech's role in online safety, featuring a conversation with Cindy Southworth, Head of Women's Safety at Meta. Titled " Big Tech's Commitment to Online Safety: A Conversation with Meta," the episode highlights how platforms like Meta are integral to the fight against online GBV—a mission closely aligned with the goals of the menABLE project.

The menABLE project: combating gender-based violence online

The menABLE project stands out as a crucial initiative within European Schoolnet's portfolio, aimed at empowering young people aged 13-18 to engage in meaningful gender dialogue and reflect on their online behaviour through interactive educational resources. Recognising that young people are often at the forefront of encountering and addressing GBV online, menABLE equips them with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate these challenges effectively.

Cindy Southworth discusses Meta's various initiatives, such as the use of advanced hashing technology to prevent the reposting of non-consensual intimate images and the deployment of AI systems to proactively detect and remove hate speech. The conversation highlights Meta's engagement with global experts, its transparency efforts, and strategies to empower users, showcasing the platform's commitment to creating a safer online space.

Meta's significant influence in shaping online experiences, particularly in the context of GBV, aligns closely with the goals of the menABLE project, underlining the importance of collaboration between educational initiatives and major tech companies.

Bringing it all together

As European Schoolnet continues to champion online safety through both the BIK initiative and the menABLE project, the insights shared in their podcast with Meta underscore the importance of collaboration between educational bodies and Big Tech. By aligning the educational efforts of menABLE with the technological safeguards discussed by Meta, European Schoolnet is paving the way for a safer, more respectful digital environment.

The upcoming menABLE Hackathon and the release of the menABLE Toolbox are key milestones in this journey, offering tangible resources and opportunities for young people and educators to engage with and combat GBV online. Additionally, the menABLE MOOC, running from 21st October to 27th October, will further support these efforts by providing an extensive online course on gender-based violence. Registration and promotion for the MOOC will launch on 9th September. As the conversation around online safety continues to evolve, European Schoolnet's work with projects like menABLE and their engagement with Big Tech through platforms like their podcast are crucial in shaping the future of digital safety.

In this time of hyperconnectivity, where the digital world plays an increasingly central role in our lives, it's more important than ever to stay informed and engaged in the conversations surrounding online safety and gender-based violence. We encourage you to be an active participant in these efforts: listen to the podcast, explore the menABLE resources, and join the upcoming events. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in creating a safer, more respectful online environment for everyone.

LISTEN TO THE EPISODE