OA2027. Safe and responsible consumption: Educational session guide for children and young people

Abstract Background Children and young people are particularly vulnerable to risks linked to consumption, especially in digital environments, due to limited experience and difficulties in identifying misleading information, aggressive marketing, or unsafe products and services. Strengthening their capacity for safe and responsible consumption is essential to protect them from abusive practices and to develop critical awareness of their rights and the wider impact of their choices. Methods This project, developed by APSI – Portuguese Association for Child Safety Promotion with the support of the Consumer Rights Promotion Fund, aimed to develop an educational guide for lower secondary school teachers, focusing on safety, consumer rights and sustainable consumption. The guide was designed to support classroom delivery of consumer education and to promote informed and responsible behaviours among young consumers. A total of 16 pilot sessions were conducted in four school classes, involving 95 students. Results Evaluation showed significant improvements in students’ knowledge and confidence regarding product safety, online shopping and the exercise of their consumer rights. The average satisfaction score for this initiative was 4.5 out of 5, with high relevance and interest in the topics covered by both students and teachers. Conclusions Integrating structured consumer education into school curricula is an effective way to enhance critical thinking and decision-making skills in young people, supporting safer and more responsible consumption practices in daily life. Key messages • Consumer education focused on safety and rights is essential from an early age. • Structured school-based interventions are effective in promoting informed, confident and critical young consumers. Topic Child Safety, Consumer Education, Consumer Rights.