This meeting is an important part of the BootStRaP project, reflecting one of its core principles – the involvement of young people not only as research participants, but as active co-creators of solutions.

Discussions during the BootCAMP were not superficial. Together with researchers, young people explored issues that are complex even for adults – from the regulation of age online, to content restrictions or even bans, as well as the impact of technological design on behaviour. These are topics often addressed at the policy or expert level, but here they were seen through the perspectives of young people.

And this is one of the most important aspects of these meetings. Young people not only shared their personal experiences, but also clearly articulated both risks and opportunities – alongside concerns, there was also openness, curiosity and a willingness to seek solutions. They spoke realistically and demonstrated a strong understanding of the significance of ongoing changes.

The principle of co-creation was also clearly reflected during the BootCAMP: young people actively contribute to the research – helping to shape its structure, proposing ideas, contributing to communication, and providing insights that enable researchers to understand better how digital environments affect everyday life and what could be most effective in preventing problematic use of the internet.

This points to an essential shift in how research itself is approached. Solutions are developed not only based on theory or data but also by directly engaging with the lived experiences of young people. In this way, research becomes closely connected to reality – grounded in real-life situations, decisions and dilemmas that young people face every day.

This BootCAMP in Lithuania continues previous project meetings held in other countries (the United Kingdom, Portugal) and is closely linked to the international conference held on May 14 at the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania. The conference highlighted the need to move from research to action – and the active involvement of young people is one of the key conditions for this transition.

The search for solutions cannot take place without those who are directly affected by them. Only by involving young people is it possible to develop solutions that are not only theoretically sound but also effective in practice.

Below, please find moments from the BootCAMP 3/Lithuania.

BootstRaP communications team information and photo.