GEMS Project in the Europe Direct Event on Cybersecurity and the Protection of Adolescents Online

ELIAMEP’s GEMS project – Gaming Ecosystem as a Multilayered Security Threat, participated in the event “Cybersecurity and the Protection of Adolescents Online”, organized by Europe Direct ELIAMEP Attica, in collaboration with Europe Direct Attica – PRAXI Network and Europe Direct Municipality of Piraeus.

Bledar Feta, Research Fellow at GEMS project, was invited as a guest speaker. In his presentation, “The Exploitation of Gaming Platforms by Extremist Groups: Risks for Minors and Ways of Protection,” he analyzed how extremist actors exploit online gaming environments to disseminate harmful narratives, recruit vulnerable users, and normalise violent behaviours. He also outlined practical protective measures that gamers, parents, and educators can adopt to navigate these spaces safely.

The event provided an important opportunity to present the work and objectives of the GEMS project to key audiences, including schoolchildren, teachers, and education professionals. Through its participation, GEMS strengthened its broader mission to raise awareness about security risks in digital gaming ecosystems and support safer online practices among young users and those who guide them.

The discussion highlighted the growing importance of understanding online gaming platforms as major socialization environments for young people. It also underscored the need for targeted prevention efforts, critical thinking skills, and informed engagement with digital technologies. The contribution of the GEMS project added valuable insights to this dialogue, reinforcing the necessity of coordinated action to protect young people in an increasingly complex online landscape.

You can learn more about the event by clicking here.

Learn more about the GEMS project here.