Youth-led initiative to raise digital safety awareness across Bangladesh
The training, held at the Proshkha HRDC facility in Manikganj recently, was organised by the JAAGO Foundation in collaboration with TikTok
A group of 128 young leaders from across Bangladesh have completed an intensive training programme to become digital safety ambassadors under the "Shabdhane Online A (Stay Safe Online)" initiative.
This youth-led campaign aims to raise awareness of online risks and encourage secure internet usage among the country's growing population.
The training, held at the Proshkha HRDC facility in Manikganj recently, was organised by the JAAGO Foundation in collaboration with TikTok.
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As internet usage in Bangladesh rapidly grows, particularly with TikTok's user base soaring from 465 million to 834 million between 2020 and 2023, online safety has become a critical concern.
The newly trained youth ambassadors will act as local champions, educating their peers and neighbours about online risks such as cybercrime, harassment, and data privacy issues.
Through these efforts, the campaign seeks to foster a more secure and responsible internet culture nationwide.
The campaign aims to address these issues by empowering the youth to act as advocates for online safety.
"As more young people in Bangladesh spend time online, they face growing security challenges," said Korvi Rakshand, founder of the JAAGO Foundation. "This campaign, developed in collaboration with TikTok, is designed to equip the younger generation with the tools they need to stay safe online and promote positive digital engagement."
The training program included sessions on online safety best practices, effective communication skills, and in-depth instruction on using TikTok's in-app safety features.
Participants are now tasked with sharing these insights with their communities, helping to create a ripple effect of safety awareness throughout the country.
One of the youth ambassadors said, "This training gave us a deep understanding of the dangers present online. We are committed to spreading this knowledge so that more people can protect themselves and others in the digital space."
Mosaddek Hossain, project manager for "Shabdhane Online A" noted that this year's campaign would reach even more students across Bangladesh.
"Over the next year, we will work with 256 educational institutions to ensure young people are aware of online safety measures. This campaign is not just about awareness, but about creating a national movement for safer digital spaces," he said.
With the support of TikTok and the JAAGO Foundation, the "Shabdhane Online A" campaign is poised to make a significant impact on digital safety in Bangladesh.
