As individuals spend more time online, it is increasingly important that the internet remains an inclusive and safe space for everyone.
This is why Facebook, in partnership with the National Youth Council (NYC)’s Young ChangeMakers (YCM) Programme, launched the #Heartbits Design Jam.
The programme encourages youths to come up with their own cyber wellness campaigns and initiatives.
Under this programme, youths also received mentorship from professionals to guide them in the ideation and execution of their projects.
Successful teams were awarded grants to kickstart their project.
Mr David Chua, Chief Executive of the National Youth Council hopes that such programme partnerships with Facebook will inspire more young Singaporeans to step forward and be the change.
“NYC is passionate in giving young people the space and resources to approach a problem, understand it, and develop meaningful and impactful solutions.
With guidance by the mentors from Facebook and industry experts, our youth changemakers have broadened their perspectives in the development of their social impact projects.”
Here are some of the interesting campaign ideas that the teams have come up with during the #HeartBits Design Jam.
One-stop Facebook page to educate the elderly about online safety
A team of 24-year-olds consisting of members Phua Yu Ting, Patricia Koh, Yap Ying Qian, and Kam Zhi Yan intend to build a one-stop Facebook page that functions as an educational platform for the elderly.
The Facebook page will provide relevant information on the workings of social media, so they can have a safer experience and be more confident when expressing themselves online.
With the knowledge that they are equipped with, the elderly can navigate the online space without fearing that they will fall prey to scams or misinformation.
Raising awareness about imposter syndrome
Lin Yutong and Tanya Lim, both 19, are committed to raising awareness about imposter syndrome found among youths aged 15 to 24.
The team aims to partner with influencers, NGOs, and students to destigmatize imposter syndrome, creating a warm and inclusive online environment.
Mental Health Music Festival
T.A.Ding, 29, Beverly Chew, 23, and Desmond Leong, 30, hope to launch a virtual concert which will showcase music from the community.
Through music, participants can speak about shared experiences surrounding mental health.
An open call, followed by song-writing, lyrical workshops and a virtual concert will take place over a three-month period.
Reducing social comparison using TikTok and Instagram
Deborah Tng, 35, and Cheryl Koh, 30, hope to start a series of video challenges on the theme of “being your own definition of success.”
Individuals are encouraged to participate by uploading their own videos or posts relating to the theme.
Through this, Tng and Koh hope to demonstrate how success might look different for everyone. At the same time, they hope to reduce social comparison through this campaign.
Normalising self-expression
A team of 25-year-olds consisting of members Jassim Jalal, Aviel Teo and Benjamin Lee hope to normalise self-expression and create a culture centred on honesty and vulnerability.
The team aims to use animation, a jingle and augmented reality filters to aid users in expressing themselves authentically online.
Turning project ideas into action
After attending three workshops and two consultation clinics, 12 youth teams presented their social impact ideas at the Open Mic session on Aug. 7 for grants to actualise their projects.
Guests at the virtual pitch included Guest-of-Honor Minister of State for Communications and Information Mr Tan Kiat How, tech industry experts from Facebook and Instagram, and community partners from the social service sector.
Successful projects will be featured as part of a showcase in October during World Mental Health Day.
Want to make the internet a better place or have ideas that can make a difference in the community? Find out more about the Young ChangeMakers grant here.
Alternatively, you may also check out the Youth Action Challenge (YAC), where participants will go through a 4-month journey from October 2021 to January 2022.
Successful participants will receive up to $50,000 in grants to turn their ideas into reality. For more information on YAC Season 3, visit the website here.
This sponsored article by the National Youth Council made the writer realise the importance of cyber wellness.
Top photo via National Youth Council