Vivek Chaudhuri, SafeTeensOnline Global Head of Partnerships
Seventy percent of youth report negative online experiences annually, yet most interventions still rely on restriction, approaches that fail to reflect how young people actually navigate digital environments.
Drawing on a systematic review of 52+ studies and survey data from 1,869 students across four countries, I developed a Youth Mental Health Risk Assessment Framework mapping how usage patterns, individual characteristics, and environmental context shape online harm—and how awareness functions as a measurable protective factor. Effective intervention means meeting youth where they are. Approaches that match how young people actually learn, gamification chief among them, are central to translating research into practice.
New developments include a prototype ML model identifying structured risk signals and connections with a gamified cybersecurity learning system built by HackerRangers for school deployment.
Ultimately, individualized digital readiness coupled with innovative learning approaches empowers youth to be capable digital citizens.
Vivek Chaudhuri is a digital entrepreneur, Gen Z change-maker, and Director of Global Partnerships at SafeTeens Online (STO), a youth-led nonprofit advancing cyber-safety education and digital resilience. STO supports a global community of 5M+ teens across five countries and partners with organizations including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the National Cybersecurity Alliance. In his role, Vivek leads the research, design, and delivery of youth-focused programming on cyber safety, digital literacy, and online resilience—translating complex online risks and human-factor challenges into practical, actionable learning. He is also expanding STO's impact into underserved communities in Africa, beginning with Ghana. Vivek has previously spoken at the National Cybersecurity Alliance's CONVENE Conference, sharing youth-centered insights with cybersecurity, law enforcement, and policy leaders. As a high school junior, he has also built award-winning digital solutions and enjoys programming, experimenting with generative AI, fencing, and practicing Taekwondo.
