On World Day Against Bullying, on 20 October, Ana Festas Henriques, Managing Associate in VdA's Social Economy & Human Rights Practice, was interviewed by Antena 1 as part of the ‘Não Caias na Rede’ (Don't Fall into the Trap) project, developed by the Vasco Vieira de Almeida Foundation, in partnership with Teach for Portugal, No Bully Portugal and ProChild CoLAB.

Created by Ana Festas Henriques and Sofia Neves Taveira, the project was created as a result of an internal competition at the Vasco Vieira de Almeida Foundation and has been growing steadily. Until now, it has involved more than 500 students in the 5th and 6th years, in 26 classes from eight school groups located in vulnerable contexts.

The sessions are led by mentors from Teach for Portugal and promote open dialogue about rights, duties and the consequences of online behaviour, through a practical and interactive approach.

According to Ana Festas Henriques, the programme consists of four interactive sessions, using games and simulations to capture the students' interest. The last session culminates in a ‘mock trial’, in which students take on the roles of judge, lawyer, victim and aggressor, reflecting on the legal and emotional implications of their actions.

‘It was very interesting to see the children's enthusiasm and realise that they understood the impact of their actions,’ says Ana Festas Henriques.

‘Não Caias na Rede’ thus reinforces the commitment of the organisations involved in educating young people to be more aware, critical and responsible, prepared to safely face the challenges of the digital world.

• The interview with Antena 1 can be heard here.