Training session in the field of personal data protection organized for students from IPLT “Ștefan cel Mare”

       On November 14, the National Center for Personal Data Protection (NCPDP) continued its information and awareness campaign for the school community, organizing the training session “Personal data protection and children’s safety in the online environment” for the Public Institution “Ștefan cel Mare”, Theoretical High School in Chișinău. The event took place during the Personal Development class, the target audience being students of the “A” 3rd grade.

       The aim of the training session was to familiarize children with the notion of personal data and develop a clear understanding of why this information needs to be protected. Given that students increasingly use the internet for educational, recreational or communication activities, developing a cautious and responsible attitude becomes essential. The session aimed to help children become aware of the risks of the online environment and adopt good digital security practices from an early age.

       During the training, NCPDP specialists used real-life examples, educational games, and interactive activities to facilitate understanding of concepts in an accessible and attractive way for the young audience. Students were encouraged to ask questions, share their own experiences using the internet, and reflect on situations where risks may arise.

       As a result of the activity, students learned and understood:

• What is personal data and how it can be identified in everyday life – name, surname, phone number, home address, photos, passwords, or other information that can identify them.
• Why is it important to protect this data, especially in the online environment, where information can be easily accessed, copied or used for improper purposes?
• How to avoid potential dangers, such as conversations with unknown people, accessing suspicious links or files, or sharing information containing personal data on social networks.
• Essential rules for online safety, including using strong passwords, keeping those passwords confidential, limiting the information shared on social media, checking privacy settings, and seeking help from a trusted adult when encountering unclear or worrying situations.
• The importance of responsible and respectful behavior in the digital environment, understanding that personal safety and that of colleagues depends, in large part, on how they communicate and interact online.

       Through this activity, NCPDP emphasized the importance of early digital education, emphasizing that risk prevention is much more effective when children are informed correctly and on time. In the context of the constant increase in the use of technology by children, training dedicated to them is becoming a necessity for developing a culture of data protection and safety in the online environment.

       NCPDP reaffirms its commitment to continue educational initiatives aimed at students, contributing to the formation of a generation capable of navigating safely and responsibly in the digital space.

       The event was organized at the initiative of the National Council for the Protection of Children and Youth, training 37 students. At the same time, the information materials, as well as the gifts offered to the students, were developed with the support of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

       It should be noted that the information and awareness campaign for the school community was launched on April 15, 2022, and the NCPDP aims to continue this training format both in school institutions in Chișinău and in those in the districts of the Republic of Moldova.