Young people spend a great deal of time online. From an early age, they are exposed to all kinds of online offers, some of which may have undesirable consequences for their finances or privacy. The European Consumer Centres Network has developed educational materials for these vulnerable consumers. They are available free of charge on the ECC-Net website.
The European Union designated 2022 as the “European Year of Youth”, highlighting the importance of young Europeans in building a better future: greener, more inclusive and more digital. However, although young consumers are digitally skilled, research shows that they are vulnerable to the risks and traps of the internet. This is why the European Consumer Centres Network has developed educational materials in English specifically for them.
Target group
Students in secondary school with at least 2 to 5 years of English-language learning experience.
Educational materials
The educational materials are available free of charge and consist of a video and a quiz focusing on the risks associated with online gaming. These resources are designed to encourage discussion with young people, sharpen their critical thinking skills and provide them with practical tips to help prevent problems.
The video, subtitled in English, uses a playful approach to illustrate some of the problems young people may encounter when playing online, such as unwanted paid subscriptions or the use of their personal data as a form of payment when signing up. The video consists of three parts, with pauses between each section to encourage discussion. The wording is clear and accessible, making it suitable for younger audiences.
The quiz covers the following four topics, with 10 questions and one open-ended question for each:
- Online gaming
- Platforms and social media
- Scams and unwanted subscriptions
- Online shopping
The quiz can also be used offline.