National Dialogue Highlights Youth and Online Safety
A national dialogue titled "Youth and Online Safety" was held on Monday at the Platinum Grand in Banani, Dhaka, bringing together policymakers, technology experts, journalists, academics, and youth representatives. The roundtable focused on Bangladesh's current digital safety landscape and explored strategies for improvement.
Jointly organized by Jaago Foundation and TikTok, the dialogue delved into pressing concerns such as digital risks, cyberbullying, misinformation, and data privacy. Participants also discussed how coordinated efforts between government and private sectors could foster a safer and more positive digital environment for young people.
Professor Shamim Al Mamun from the Institute of Information Technology at Jahangirnagar University emphasized the growing importance of digital safety in Bangladesh. "The significance of digital security is increasing day by day. While online platforms create new opportunities for youth, they also expose them to rising cyber threats. It's essential to integrate online safety education into our academic curriculum," he noted.
Tanvir Chowdhury, Project Manager of the "Shabdhan Online-e" campaign, highlighted the long-term vision behind the dialogue. "This is not just a conversation; it's a roadmap for the future. To ensure that young people stay safe online and grow into responsible digital citizens, we must continue our collective efforts. The insights and recommendations from today’s dialogue will further strengthen the activities of the 'Shabdhan Online-e' campaign," he said.
The event is part of the "Shabdhane Online-e" project, a joint initiative launched in 2022 by Jaago Foundation and TikTok. Between 2024 and 2025, Youth Ambassadors of the project have conducted online safety awareness programs in 256 educational institutions across all 64 districts of Bangladesh, directly educating around 100,000 students on the importance of online safety.
The dialogue also reflected on the campaign’s successes, challenges, and future strategies to enhance its impact.
