We are excited to introduce the members* of Snap’s first European Council for Digital Wellbeing (European CDWB), a programme that brings together teens from across Europe to hear directly from them about their online lives, including what they enjoy and what sorts of challenges they may be facing. The European CDWB builds on the success of our inaugural Council in the US. 

Since selecting 14 teens from 10 countries to form our first European CDWB we’ve hosted two virtual monthly calls with the cohort, and most recently hosted Council Members and their trusted adults to an in-person summit at our Amsterdam office.  

Even though the programme has just started, we've already gained tremendous insight. Here are some initial observations:

• Connection is key: Teens feel connected when spending time with friends online, and they prefer discussing their digital experiences with peers.

• Empowerment through resources: Teens want to feel empowered, believing that fun, healthy and safer online experiences start with them. They are eager for readily available resources, ideally on the platforms they use.

• Parents, be present and prepared: Teens see a clear role for parents, expecting them to show genuine interest in teens’ online lives and to come prepared for conversations rooted in actual experiences. When trust is built, teens feel more comfortable seeking support and explaining technology.

• Beyond "lazy": Teens feel as though adults misunderstand their phone usage. For them, online platforms can play a key role in connecting with friends and family, building new relationships, finding information, exploring the world and collaborating on homework. As one Council Member put it, "We are not being lazy on our phones.”

The Summit fostered interesting and constructive conversations on topics ranging from online pitfalls and parental tools to the differences and similarities between digital and in-person social dynamics. Council members eagerly discussed the importance of mental health and the related routines they’ve created for themselves. They also highlighted the importance of establishing and observing appropriate social norms to tackle societal issues like bullying or hate speech. In addition to these important discussions, the Summit also featured guest speakers, a “speed-mentoring” session among the teens and the broader Snap team, and some fun team-building activities.

By the end of our time together in Amsterdam, these teens (and their chaperones) were highly motivated to become online safety ambassadors in their own local communities.

We look forward to continuing our conversations about safety and wellbeing with this engaged group. Stay tuned to hear more insights from our kind, smart, and creative European CDWB members! 

— Cees van Koppen, Snap Inc. EMEA Safety Policy Lead

* Snap’s European CDWB-members:

• Ben, 13 years old from the UK

• Coen, 16 years old from Italy

• Ebba, 14 years old from Sweden

• Ella, 14 years old from the UK

• Ella, 16 years old from France

• Elias, 15 years old from Norway

• Emily, 14 years old from the UK

• Haakon, 14 years old from Norway

• Isabella, 16 years old from Germany

• Leon, 15 years old from Poland

• Medina, 14 years old from Denmark

• Merveille, 16 years old from France

• Sarah, 13 years old from the Netherlands

• Tara, 14 years old from Croatia