Better Internet for Kids

It has been two years since the adoption of the BIK+ strategy, and thus we conducted the first evaluation of its progress and success. Learn more about the first BIK+ strategy evaluation here.

In the past ten years, digital technologies and the way children use them have changed dramatically. Most children use their smartphones daily and almost twice as much compared to ten years ago. They also use them from a much younger age (see EU Kids Online 2020). Modern devices bring opportunities and benefits, allowing children to interact with others, learn online and be entertained. But these gains are not without risks, such as the dangers of exposure to disinformation, cyberbullying (see JRC study) or harmful and illegal content, from which children need to be sheltered.

The new European strategy for a Better Internet for Kids aims for accessible, age-appropriate and informative online content and services that are in children's best interests.

Read the full press release and discover more resources on the European Commission website.

The three pillars of the new BIK+ strategy in a nutshell

Under Pillar 1, we want to make sure that your digital world is safe

We want a safe internet that protects you from seeing things that make you feel scared, sad or uncomfortable.
 

Under Pillar 2, we want to make sure that you have the skills, knowledge and support you need 

We want you to feel comfortable on the internet because you know how to use it safely and in a fun way.
 

Under Pillar 3, we want to make sure that you have a say

We want you to have a say with activities for children where you can tell us what kind of safe internet you want.

The child-friendly version of the BIK+ strategy  

As part of the plans to ensure a safer online experience for all children and young people, it was pivotal to address them directly and provide them with the necessary tools to learn how to safely access and enjoy what the online world has to offer, and to be aware of potential risks and concerns. Thus, a child-friendly version of the BIK+ strategy was developed, starting from the key principles (or pillars) of the strategy and adapting the language and visual style to target a younger audience. Additionally, the child-friendly version includes a guide to explain some of the more specific jargon used in the leaflet, providing further context and information about the development of the strategy.

The making of the child-friendly version of the strategy would not have been possible without the crucial contribution of young people themselves. Indeed, a number of BIK Youth Ambassadors from all over Europe were consulted during the process, and provided invaluable feedback and assistance on the tone, style, and content of the child-friendly version.

The accessible, child-friendly version of the new BIK+ strategy is now available in all EU languages and a variety of non-EU languages. Read the accessible, child-friendly version below, or download the PDF here. You can access the translations of the child-friendy version here.

The new BIK+ strategy updates a previous iteration, published in 2012. Find out more about the former BIK strategy here.