Better Internet for Kids

Here, we take an in-depth look at the latest monitoring information for Italy.

BIK policies

Policy design asks whether evidence and research support BIK-related policies and whether systems are in place for monitoring and evaluating those policies.

Policy frameworks

Policy frameworks describe the overarching approach for a better internet, and establish the underlying goals, principles and guidelines that shape individual policies within this area.

In Italy:

• This topic is comprehensively addressed with children’s online protection, digital empowerment and digital participationincorporated into national/regional laws, regulations and policies.
• There are separate, dedicated policies that address children and the digital environment (protection, empowerment, and participation).
• The BIK+ strategy is an important influence on policy development on children and the digital environment (i.e., it informs and guides national policies even if they do not directly refer to BIK+).
• National/regional policies and policy documents explicitly recognise children's rights in the digital environment.

Key national policy frameworks are: 

• Law 71 of 2017, ‘Regulation for the safeguarding of minors and the prevention and tackling of cyberbullying’, now updated with law 70/2024, was established to combat the phenomenon of cyberbullying in all its manifestations.
• Agcom resolution 9/23/Cons, in Italy SIM cards registered to minors are preset to block access to ‘inappropriate content’.
• Legislative Decree No. 196 of 30 June 2003 for the application of the General Data Protection Regulation.
• Article 7 bis Systems for protecting minors from the risks of cyberspace. Legislative Decree of 04/30 /2020 n. 28
• Law No. 675 of 31 December 1996 and regulated subsequently by the Personal Data Protection Code (Legislative Decree No. 196 of 30 June 2003) as amended by Legislative Decree No. 101 of 10 August 2018, which also established that the Italian Data Protection Authority is the supervisory authority responsible for monitoring the application of the General Data Protection Regulation.
• The National Plan for the Digital School (PNSD) puts the acquisition and enhancement of students' digital skills at the centre of improvement actions, making digital technology a fundamental teaching tool for enhancing students' curriculum. Many schools have taken steps to promote the acquisition of digital skills by experimenting with and implementing Digital Curricula in formal educational institutions, encouraging participatory planning experiences to create, test and make available to all schools new innovative, structured, open educational curricula capable of putting the student at the centre and involving the wider school community.
• Resolution no. 7/24/CONS Guidelines aimed at ensuring influencers' compliance with the provisions of the Consolidated Law and the establishment of a specific technical table.
• Art. 13 of the Decree Law n. 123/2023 states that “In order to ensure a safe digital environment for minors, providers of electronic communications services shall ensure the availability of parental control applications in contracts for the provision of electronic communications services”.
• Art.8 of the Italian Digital Administration Code, adopted with the Legislative Decree n. 82/2005, states that the State and public administrations shall promote initiatives to encourage the dissemination of digital culture among citizens, with particular attention to minors and categories at risk of exclusion. This code also aims to promote the development of legal IT skills and the use of public administrations' digital services through specific and concrete actions.

Read the full Policy monitor country profile for detailed information on key national policy frameworks in Italy.

Read the full 2025 edition of the Policy monitor report.

Policy design

Policy design asks whether evidence and research support BIK-related policies and whether systems are in place for monitoring and evaluating those policies.

• There is a regular (e.g., annual or bi-annual) nationally representative survey specifically focused on children’s digital activity, which informs national policies on this topic.
• Some but not all aspects of children’s experiences of risks, harms and digital well-being are included in regular surveys.
• Systems are in place at the government level to gather information on children and the digital environment (e.g., dedicated research units, think tanks or commissions).
• There is a dedicated long-term research fund/research programme on children and the digital environment.
• Policies undergo systematic and regular monitoring and evaluation to assess the effectiveness of actions in different contexts and to take account of new technologies or emergent risks.

Recent national research studies include:

• The Italian National Institute of Statistics conducts surveys and collects data on cyberbullying and hate speech regularly. In May 2024, it published its latest Child and Youth Survey, which includes the relationship between young people and the digital environment.
• In 2014, the Communications Authority set up the Permanent Observatory for the guarantee and protection of minors and the fundamental rights of the person on the Internet in order to analyse issues related to the use of the Internet and social networks and to verify the effectiveness of the procedures adopted by operators. Issues monitored are incitement to hatred, threats, harassment, bullying, hate speech and the dissemination of deplorable content. It conducts surveys every year on the issues of child well-being in collaboration with the Safer Internet Centre or with research centres and universities.
• Law No. 451 of 1997 established the Parliamentary Commission for Childhood and Adolescence and the National Observatory for Children, which regularly carries out fact-finding investigations, last October 2023, a fact-finding survey on the impact of the Internet and new technologies on the psychophysical health of minors was carried out.

Read the full Policy monitor country profile for detailed information on recent national research studies in Italy.

Read the full 2025 edition of the Policy monitor report.

Policy governance

Policy governance examines how policies are coordinated at the governmental level, whether other implementation bodies are involved in their delivery, and whether structured mechanisms are available to guide their implementation.

• There is one central body (e.g., central ministry office, public agency or regulatory authority) that is formally mandated to lead and develop policies, guidelines and programmes relating to children and the digital environment, if necessary, in consultation with other departments.
• A clearly defined coordination function is in place, involving all relevant stakeholders and encompasses the cross-cutting policy issues relating to children and the digital environment.
• There is a defined national action plan for children and the digital environment with accountabilities such as defined timelines, assigned responsibilities, or key performance indicators (KPIs).

Read the full Policy monitor country profile for detailed information on key policy governance mechanisms in Italy.

Read the full 2025 edition of the Policy monitor report.

Stakeholder involvement

Stakeholder involvement enquires how different stakeholders can participate in policy development. Children’s involvement in policy-making is one such key issue. Additionally, international knowledge exchange about children's digital participation is also relevant to this topic.

• There is a designated multi-stakeholder forum in place which facilitates the involvement of all relevant stakeholder groups.
• Members of the public are regularly and routinely consulted as part of the policy development for BIK topics
• Children are actively involved in the design of policies related to their participation in the digital environment. There are specially designed structures in place for this purpose.

• There is a stakeholder forum on the issues of Cyberbullying established by law.
• The Ministry of Education, as coordinator of the Italian SIC, has set up a government-led advisory board with relevant stakeholders, government departments, civil society, public agencies, law enforcement, industry, and academia to develop policies regarding children and the digital environment. Moreover, Law 71 gives the Ministry of Education the task of coordinating the inter-ministerial table.
• The Ministry of Education has a structured and regular public consultation system with students and families. The regional and national councils propose and discuss with the Minister of Education. Other Ministers and Public authorities have consultation systems that are activated when required.

Read the full Policy monitor country profile for detailed information on crucial stakeholder involvement mechanisms in Italy.

Read the full 2025 edition of the Policy monitor report.

BIK+ actions

Pillar 1 – safe digital experiences

Safe digital experiences refer to actions taken to protect children from harmful and illegal online content, conduct, contact, and risks as young consumers and to improve their well-being online through a safe, age-appropriate digital environment created in a way that respects children’s best interests. 

Implementing EU laws

• Article 15 of Decree-Law No. 123 of 2023 designated the Communications Regulatory Authority (Agcom) as the Digital Services Coordinator. The Communications Regulatory Authority and the European Commission have signed a collaboration agreement to apply the rules of the Digital Services Act (DSA) regulation.
• In its capacity as Digital Services Coordinator, Agcom proceeded to identify the first trusted flaggers and set up a reporting procedure. It made available a procedure and a template for Article 53 DSA complaints.

Harmful online content

• Italy has established legal definitions and classifications for harmful online content at the national level through various laws and regulations.
• Article 2 of Law 71/2017 gives the Privacy Authority the power to issue orders for the removal of online content that falls within the definition of cyberbullying. Moreover, the Postal Police has the power to remove content which is potentially harmful to children.

Harmful online conduct

• Italy has implemented national legislation to protect children and young people from cyberbullying. In May 2017, the Italian Parliament enacted Law No. 71/2017, titled ‘Provisions for the Protection of Minors for the Prevention and Counteraction of the Phenomenon of Cyberbullying.’ The law provides a comprehensive framework to address and mitigate cyberbullying among minors, and now it is updated with law 70/2024.
• Law No. 70/2024 provides a specific legal definition of cyberbullying, describing it as any form of psychological pressure, aggression, harassment, blackmail, insult, defamation, identity theft, or manipulation of personal data concerning minors, disseminated through electronic means. This includes sharing online content related to a minor's family members with the intent to isolate or maliciously attack the minor.
• Italy has enacted national legislation to protect individuals, including children and young people, from intimate image abuse, commonly referred to as 'revenge porn' or the non-consensual sharing of intimate images. In July 2019, the Italian Parliament approved Law No. 69, known as the ‘Codice Rosso,’ which introduced Article 612-ter into the Italian Penal Code. This article specifically criminalises the unauthorised dissemination of sexually explicit images or videos intended to remain private.
• Article 144-bis of the Italian Privacy Code stipulates that anyone, including minors, who has reasonable grounds to believe that audio, image or video recordings or other computer documents with sexually explicit content concerning them, which are intended to remain private, may be sent, delivered, transmitted, published or disseminated through digital platforms without their consent, has the right to report the risk to the Data Protection Authority, which shall take action within 48 hours of receiving the report

Age verification 

• On 24 September 2024, the Communications Authority approved the draft regulation governing the technical and process modalities for ascertaining the age of the majority of users. The draft regulation is notified to the European Commission for final consideration.
• The Agency for Digital Italy (AgID) has published the Operational Guidelines for the issuing of digital identity to minors and the use of online services, adopted with Determination no. 51/2022.

Commercial content

• The Communications Authority has recently adopted guidelines that define a set of rules aimed at influencers. The provisions concern, in particular, measures regarding commercial communications, protection of fundamental rights of the person, of minors and the values of sport, providing a mechanism of reminders and orders aimed at removal or adaptation of contents. In the case of content with product placement, influencers are required to include writing that highlights the advertising nature of the content in a readily and immediately recognisable way.
• In December 2023, the AGCOM approved new regulations empowering it to order online video-sharing platforms to remove content deemed harmful. This encompasses material that promotes racial, sexual, religious, or ethnic hatred, as well as content that inadequately safeguards consumers. These rules, effective from January 8, 2024, apply to services such as YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram.

Mental health and well-being

• In Italy, both national and regional measures are in place to protect children's mental health and well-being online. At the national level, the Italian government has implemented the National Prevention Plan (PNP) for 2020-2025, which outlines health objectives and actions, including specific interventions for children and adolescents. This plan emphasises the creation of integrated regional networks for diagnosing, treating, and rehabilitating neuropsychic disorders in youth, as well as early identification and prompt treatment of these conditions.

Pillar 2 – digital empowerment

Digital empowerment incorporates actions so that all children, including those in vulnerable situations, acquire the necessary skills and competences to make sound choices and express themselves in the online environment safely and responsibly.

Supports for online safety education

• Italy has incorporated online safety education into the national school curriculum at primary, lower secondary, and upper secondary levels through Civic Education, ICT, and Media Literacy programs. Topics include safe internet use, cyberbullying prevention, data privacy, misinformation awareness, and cybersecurity. The National Plan for the Digital School (PNSD)  and National Strategy for Digital Skills guide these efforts, supported by Generazioni Connesse (Safer Internet Centre), AGCOM, and GPDP.
• The National Plan for the Digital School (PNSD) aims to integrate digital technologies into the educational system. It emphasises creating conditions for all schools to access the information society, making the 'Right to the Internet' a reality. The plan includes enhancing digital tools in schools, improving connectivity, and supporting the development of e-safety policies to address challenges posed by the digital environment.
• Italy has implemented several national and regional initiatives to enhance informal education on digital safety, particularly targeting vulnerable or marginalised youth outside the formal education system. The National Strategy for Digital Skills - Repubblica Digitale aims to combat digital illiteracy and promote digital inclusion. It emphasises the development of digital skills across various sectors of society, including initiatives targeting citizens to enhance their digital competencies.

Digital literacy skills to empower young people

• The National Plan for the Digital School (PNSD) provides specific digital education and media literacy curricula. Children and young people from diversified demographic groups are involved in a youth platform. The panellists - 40 boys and girls - are selected voluntarily. The panellists are involved in the SIC activities and encouraged to express their views, contribute to the ‘Action' activities, and strengthen their knowledge and experience in using online technologies.
• As part of the European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO), the Italian Digital Media Observatory (IDMO) serves as a hub for research and initiatives against disinformation. It collaborates with fact-checkers, academic researchers, and media organisations to analyse disinformation campaigns and develop educational resources.

Pillar 3 – active participation, respecting children’s rights

Active participation, respecting children’s rights, refers to actions which give children and young people a say in the digital environment, with more child-led activities to foster innovative and creative safe digital experiences.

Active participation

• The Youth Panel of Generazioni Connesse is a national initiative supported by the Ministry of Education within the framework of the project that aims to foster safe and responsible use of the internet among young people, focusing on digital literacy, online safety, and promoting civic engagement in the digital realm. It comprises young individuals (usually aged 14 to 19 years) who are directly involved in shaping the project's activities. The panel serves as a platform for youth to engage with policymakers, share their experiences, and advocate for digital policies that matter to them, especially around issues like online safety, privacy, and digital rights.
• The Ministry of Education has several formally established bodies to promote youth involvement in decision-making processes. The National Council of Presidents of Cosulta (CNPC) is established within Presidential Decree 567/96. The provincial student council is also an institutional body on a provincial basis. It comprises two students from each upper secondary school in the province, elected directly by their classmates.

Supporting children’s rights

• The SIC coordinates three national awareness campaigns each year aimed at young people and children to raise awareness of the problems and potential of the Internet. Furthermore, all private organisations and public institutions carry out awareness-raising activities in collaboration with the Ministry of Education in schools throughout the national territory. Campaigns include the Vita da Social campaign, the Estate in Rete campaign, the ‘Mese della Sicurezza’ campaign, and the Back to School campaign.

Digital inclusion

• Italy has implemented several national and regional initiatives to address digital inequalities affecting children's participation in the digital environment. Recognizing that digital competence is essential for lifelong learning, the country has adopted the European Digital Competence Framework for Citizens (DigComp 2.0) and launched programs to enhance the safe and responsible use of digital technologies in education, work, and social life. many schools have introduced Digital Curricula, promoting participatory planning to develop and share innovative educational programs.
• The National Strategy for Digital Skills focuses on digital inclusion by implementing measures for disadvantaged social groups, such as the elderly, individuals with low education or income, and people with disabilities. Initiatives include establishing digital facilitation stations and providing access to public digital services.

Read the full Policy monitor country profile for some best practice examples from Italy.

Best practices

Example 1: Vita da Social

‘Vita da Socia’" is an Italian awareness campaign in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Interior to educate young people about the safe and responsible use of the internet and social media. Launched in 2014, the campaign addresses issues such as cyberbullying, online privacy, and the risks associated with sharing personal information online.

Key components of the campaign include: 

• Educational Workshops: Organising sessions in schools across Italy to engage students, teachers, and parents in digital safety and etiquette discussions.
• Mobile Information Units: Utilising a touring bus with multimedia tools to reach various cities and towns, providing interactive learning experiences about online risks and prevention strategies.
• Collaborations: Partnering with major technology companies, social media platforms, and educational institutions to disseminate accurate information and resources on digital well-being.

Example 2: Cyber Young User Research Project

In 2024, Italy’s National Cybersecurity Agency, as part of its strategy on cybersecurity awareness raising, carried out a dedicated project named Cyber Young User Research Project to analyse young people’s attitudes, behaviours, needs and receptivity towards cybersecurity issues. 

The project involved submitting an online questionnaire of 22 questions to 700 children aged 14 to 18 and carrying out 24 individual interviews lasting 45 minutes. The work also included social media analysis activities to explore cybersecurity issues emerging from young people's online conversations. 

The principal outcomes of the project were: i) the identification of mindsets (e. g. the fatalist, the influencer, the IRL lover, etc.) according to which improving the design of cybersecurity awareness initiatives by better targeting them; (ii) quantitative indicators to be used to identify gaps in the cybersecurity literacy by young people (e.g. 75% of Italian young people underestimate online security risks). 

Example 3: ‘We Are Fearless’

‘We Are Fearless’ is a web series produced by the Safer Internet Centre - Generazioni Connesse, aiming to promote the safe and responsible use of digital technologies among young people. It was launched for the first time in 2020 during the Safer Internet Day (SID) celebrations. The series has expanded over three seasons, each addressing various online safety topics. Each episode serves as an educational tool, fostering discussions among students, educators, and parents about the benefits and risks associated with digital technology. The series is available on the Generazioni Connesse YouTube channel and their official website.

BIK+ index 2025: Italy

The BIK+ index has been developed to provide an aggregated at-a-glance overview of the levels of implementation across the two dimensions, BIK policies and BIK+ actions, in Italy compared to the EU27+2 average. Values are shown in per cent.

Please note, the data used in this page and the corresponding country profile was collected in February 2025.