Palau Youth Champion Online Safety at Inaugural Digital Smart Squad Forum

Held at the Palasia Hotel in Koror, the Forum provided a dynamic and inclusive space for young people to engage in open dialogue about the challenges they face online, from cyberbullying and exposure to harmful content, to managing digital footprints and recognizing online red flags.

Through interactive sessions and storytelling, participants co-created a safe and empowering environment, culminating in a collective commitment to the Digital Smart Squad Pledge: a commitment to uphold kindness, respect, and safety both online and within their communities.

“What inspired me most was seeing the youth take the lead while adults stood behind them. This forum proved how powerful it is when young people and adults unite to guide one another toward safer and more responsible choices,” said Amanda Shiro, Maternal & Child Health Service Counsellor, Ministry of Health and Human Services.

The event was made possible through collaboration among Palau’s health, education, communication and youth service providers, with support from the UN Micronesia Palau Office and UNICEF North Pacific. A highlight was the launch of a new virtual help hub, a confidential digital platform designed to connect students with essential support services.  

“This is youth empowerment in action—where young people are not just learning about online safety but shaping the solutions themselves,” said Honorable Ngirai Tmetuchl, Minister of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism & Development.

This initiative builds on ongoing child online protection efforts of the Government of Palau, in partnership with UNICEF and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).  

With youth voices at its core, the Digital Smart Squad Forum marks a step toward a safer, more inclusive, and empowering digital future for all in Palau.

“I feel like we tend to look over the ideas of the younger generation because we think we are more experienced in things, in life. That's what I was hoping we'd change when we worked on giving this initiative life. I believe the success of this forum demonstrates that even at just thirteen or fourteen years old, they still possess valuable insights for addressing and providing solutions to real-life issues. I hope that the efficient teamwork they displayed today and their willingness to learn and contribute are things that we, as adults, can learn from and continue to carry forward alongside them to advance our nation as one people." Said Mirang Subediang, the UN Micronesia - Palau Intern who came up with the idea to organize this event.