Kazakhstan's Youth and Authorities Unite to Tackle Bullying and Cybercrime

A groundbreaking forum in Shymkent gave young Kazakhs a voice—now they're launching a movement to fight bullying, scams, and corruption. Could this be a turning point?

, and Administrator

2026 March 27 . 1:09 PM

1 min read

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Kazakhstan's Youth and Authorities Unite to Tackle Bullying and Cybercrime

A major forum under the slogan The Power of Law Begins with Awareness took place in Shymkent this week. The event brought together over 500 students and law enforcement officials for direct discussions on pressing social and legal issues. It marked the first such dialogue between youth and local authorities in Kazakhstan in the past two years. The forum provided a rare platform for young people to speak openly with government representatives. Among the attendees were Shymkent's deputy mayor, police chiefs, cybercrime specialists, and city prosecutor Gabit Mukanov. Topics ranged from stress and depression to online manipulation and attempts to recruit teenagers into extremist groups.

Bullying emerged as a key concern, particularly psychological harassment in chat groups. Students also highlighted the rise of online casino addiction, proposing lectures and public campaigns to raise awareness. Another urgent issue was the surge in online scams, which now account for over 60% of police reports. Authorities outlined common fraud tactics and advised on protective steps. Corruption and whistleblower protections were also debated. Participants questioned penalties for offenders and how corruption appears in daily life. By the end of the discussions, students and officials agreed to form a new youth movement called *Ambassadors of Change*. This group will focus on tackling socially significant challenges through organised action.

The forum concluded with plans to launch the Ambassadors of Change movement. This initiative aims to address issues like cybercrime, addiction, and bullying through youth-led efforts. The event set a precedent for direct dialogue between young people and local authorities in the region.