Strengthening Civic Competences through Peer Mediation and Digital Responsibility in VET Education

Summary

Modern civic education goes beyond teaching about institutions and laws – its main goal is to shape active, aware, and responsible citizens who understand the common values of the European Union, engage in public life, and are able to act in a socially and culturally diverse world. Peer mediation helps students resolve conflicts through dialogue and mutual respect. Cybersecurity education fosters responsibility for safe and ethical online behavior.

"The project taught me to speak confidently and act responsibly. Being an active citizen begins with small actions – each voice matters when we defend human dignity, freedom, and respect."

Topic(s) addressed

• Civic engagement
• Data protection
• Mediation
• Critical thinking
• Youth participation in democratic life at local and EU level through projects like Erasmus+, Mediation Week, and “Your data – Your concern”

Target group(s)  

• Students and teachers of technical schools (computer science, advertising, accounting, logistics), planned number of participants - 134.

Methodologies used

The project applied an innovative approach by integrating cooperation with the Data Protection Authority (UODO) and the local court on peer mediation, data protection, and cybersecurity with experiences from educational mobility in Spain under Erasmus+. Students took part in interdisciplinary workshops, mediation simulations, and hands-on activities on internet safety and privacy. The combination of formal, non-formal and informal learning helped them develop legal, social, communication and intercultural key competencies, fostering social inclusion, civic education and active participation in various areas of life. Through these experiences, students were able to take responsibility for their digital behavior and social engagement.

Innovation environment

The project fostered an innovative learning environment by engaging the entire school community, encouraging collaboration among teachers, students, and external partners such as the Data Protection Authority and local court. Activities were embedded in a whole-school approach, supporting peer learning, civic education, and digital responsibility.  

A positive school climate was built through inclusive practices, interdisciplinary projects, and sustainable use of Erasmus+ mobility experiences, which enriched both formal and non-formal education. The project promoted EU citizenship by strengthening awareness of European values, democracy, and media literacy. It also encouraged responsible civic engagement and intercultural learning.

Teachers’ role

Teachers involved in the project played a key role as initiators of innovative educational activities, such as peer mediation workshops, civic debates, and cybersecurity lessons in cooperation with the Data Protection Authority, The Court. They fostered student wellbeing by creating a safe learning environment and integrating empathetic communication into class time. Through Erasmus+ mobility and training, they exchanged experiences and implemented modern teaching methods that promote responsibility, openness, and civic engagement. Their skills and dedication support lasting change in the school culture and empower students to connect theory with practice and develop critical thinking, empathy and collaboration.

Impact and output

The project had a strong impact on students by increasing their civic awareness, communication skills, and sense of responsibility. It supported the inclusion of students with fewer opportunities, including those representing neurodiversity, through cooperative tasks and safe, structured learning spaces. Teachers adopted new methodologies that spread across subjects and inspired colleagues. Activities such as peer mediation, debates, and awareness campaigns reached the wider school community, involving parents and local institutions.  

The project sparked interest in democratic values, data protection, and digital responsibility, creating a spill-over effect beyond the initial target group.

Learn more about the project