diverse and democratic societies is vital. Previous research has highlighted the impact of internalized constraints, self-censorship and fear of authority on the development and exercise of digital literacy skills and the need for considering social and psychological wellbeing impacting these constraints (Poveda, 2018). It is advised that further research must be carried out to explore the ways in which the events of the last eight months have impacted the digital literacy and culture of different demographics. This should be used to co-create contextually relevant resources and programming focused on digital citizenship. Governing authorities and national organizations should focus heavily on the development of digital citizenship programmes in collaboration with youth and designed in a manner that resonates with the current climate and experiences. 5.2.3 Gen Z, National Organizations, Governing Authorities, Social and Tech Media Companies The importance of understanding and exercising free expression in society: The enabling of public discussion on the practice of, limitations of and ethical considerations around FoE in this critical political juncture in Myanmar is imperative as a short-term intervention. Encouraging healthy debate through online events, campaigns on the topic as a means to exercise free expression while reflecting on what this means for others. In a long term it is equally important to negotiate for an independent monitoring body with the participation of key stakeholders (including tech companies, CSO’s, youth representatives and government) to re-establish and monitor internet access, infringements on the right to privacy, legitimate online activity, and expression. 5.2.4 Donors, National Organizations, International Organizations, Governing Authorities, Mental Health Practitioners, Gen Z Promoting healthy digital practice as a key factor in quality of life: During the COVID-19 pandemic, discussions and learning around mental health and wellbeing emerged from the shadows; with a large number of webinars, online courses, telephone and internet counselling made available to young internet users across the country, the topics became a little less taboo. With the onset of the coup and the surge in COVID-19 cases, emotions, difficult news, violent imagery and speech online and the daily risks assumed simply by being online has resulted in dire effects on the mental health of youth. Participants expressed fatigue, and a sense of feeling ‘damaged’ ‘not how I used to be’. Much research has been done on the ways in which individuals construct and live their identities online, as well as the ways in which collectives of people who communicate on the internet really constitute a totally new kind of society. Virtual communities present a flourishing opportunity for a different lived experience, but caution must be exercised. The detachedness of individuals presents a risk of social isolation in individual people, harboring feelings of loneliness and depression that adversely impact their wellbeing (Tolnaiova & Galik, 2020). The potential for anonymity allows youth to be more open, sociable and in the current situation, enables them to freely express themselves in the face of repression. It may also however, allow for disinhibition and unrestrained behaviour” feeling protected by anonymity, we are prone to breaking the norms, telling lies and being aggressive and vulgar when we deal with others” (Tolnaiova & Galik, 2020). It is recommended that donors using this opportunity, where interest and awareness around mental health and wellbeing is heightened to fund further study and programming designed to explore the concept of digital well-being in Myanmar ‘s digital landscape. This must be done not just by looking at how to minimize the risks and harmful effects of the digital space, but also at how technology can be used meaningfully to add value to the lives of users, and mental health practitioners will play a key role here. This can include what the Council of Europe’s Digital Citizenship Education Handbook describes as: Information related to how we feel online, comprising another three digital domains: ethics and empathy, health and well-being, and e-presence and communications (Council of Europe, 2019). Programmes focused on developing a broader variety of digital skills and expertise suited to the interests of individual youth may also prove to be empowering and encourage positive engagement online. Areas for further study This research has highlighted a number of areas for further study, that would add to our understanding of FoE in Myanmar today and how it is evolving in the eyes of the young people actively pursuing a better future for their country. For example, it would be useful to look at the practice of social punishment, and how it can be contextualized and understood theoretically and historically in the context of Myanmar. It is clear the internet has amplified such behaviors but the extent to which it is rooted as a cultural or community practice is less clear. 43