Better Internet for Kids

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

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 Malta:

• This topic is comprehensively addressed, with children’s online protection, digital empowerment and digital participation incorporated into national/regional laws, regulations and policies.
• There are separate, dedicated policies which address the topic of 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.

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

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.

• Quantitative data on some aspects of children’s digital activity is collected regularly as part of broader surveys.
• 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).
• Existing national research funding is available for research on children and the digital environment, but this is not explicitly specified.
• Policies undergo systematic and regular monitoring and evaluation to assess the effectiveness of actions in different contexts (e.g., to take account of new technologies or emergent risks).

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

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.

• Policy development sits across different ministries with leadership distributed according to the area of specialisation.
• A clearly defined coordination function is in place that involves all relevant stakeholders and encompasses the cross-cutting policy issues relating to children and the digital environment.
• One or more programmes of action is/are underway supporting children’s online safety and participation in the digital environment. However, these lack 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 Malta.

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 process.
• Children are actively involved in the design of policies related to their participation in the digital environment and there are specially designed structures in place for this purpose.

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

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

• In its capacity as the designated Maltese Digital Services Coordinator (DSC), the Malta Communications Authority (MCA) enforces the Digital Services Act (DSA) regulation in Malta.
• The Maltese Safer Internet Centre specifically the hotline has been granted the trusted flagger status under the Digital Services Act by the Digital Services Coordinator.

Harmful online content

• Malta has been addressing harmful online content through various laws and regulations. One significant piece of legislation is the Maltese Electronic Communications (Regulation) Act, which governs various aspects of electronic communications, including online content. Additionally, Malta has adopted the EU's Directive on combating terrorism and the Regulation on preventing the dissemination of terrorist content online, which imposes obligations on online platforms to remove terrorist content within a specified timeframe.
• As a helpline, the Maltese Safer Internet Centre hold the status of a trusted flagger with numerous social media platforms. The SIC encourage minors to communicate with the helpline concerning potentially harmful content. This facilitates its ability to assist them in removing such content by promptly notifying the respective platforms.  

Harmful online conduct

• The Maltese Criminal Code addresses various forms of harassment and cybercrime, which can encompass revenge porn behaviour. For instance, actions such as distributing intimate images or videos with the intent to harass, embarrass, or harm another person may be considered criminal offences under provisions related to defamation, harassment, or the misuse of electronic communications.
• Malta has implemented national laws addressing intimate image abuse, commonly known as 'revenge porn' or the non-consensual sharing of intimate images. In 2016, Malta criminalised the distribution of intimate images without consent, making it punishable by up to two years' imprisonment or a fine ranging from € 3,000 to € 5,000.
• Malta is part of the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (known as the Istanbul Convention). This convention addresses various forms of violence against women, including cyber violence, and emphasises the need for legal measures to protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable.
• Malta does not have specific legislation solely focused on cyberbullying. However, there are laws and regulations in Malta that can be applied to cyberbullying cases, particularly those related to harassment, defamation, and online abuse.
• The Maltese Criminal Code addresses various forms of harassment and defamation, which can encompass acts of cyberbullying. Additionally, Malta has data protection laws that may apply to cyberbullying cases involving the misuse of personal data online. 

Age verification 

• Malta has measures in place that aim to restrict minors from accessing adult or restricted content online, although the age verification mechanisms are still developing. The Malta Communications Authority (MCA) has outlined guidelines that require platforms providing age-restricted content, such as online gambling or adult content, to implement age assurance and verification mechanisms. These mechanisms are intended to prevent minors from accessing such content.
• The implementation of stricter and more robust age assurance technologies is an ongoing process, especially for new and emerging online services. Efforts to improve online safety and age verification, in line with EU regulations and the Digital Services Act (DSA), are expected to further strengthen protections for minors.  
• Malta has implemented an electronic identity (e-ID) system called the Maltese e-ID card. The e-ID card serves as a means of electronic identification for Maltese citizens and residents. It incorporates a microchip that stores personal information and can be used for various online services and transactions, including government services, banking, and accessing secure websites. It is available only for minors who are 14 years and over. 

Commercial content

• The Consumer Affairs Act is the main statutory law in Malta that regulates commercial activities, including digital advertising. It incorporates European Union directives, such as the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive (2005/29/EC), which applies to online marketing and influencer-based marketing. It sets guidelines for misleading or aggressive advertising, including the clear labelling of advertisements and sponsored content.
• The Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority has developed non-statutory guidelines regarding online advertising and influencer marketing. These guidelines encourage influencers and content creators to disclose their commercial partnerships clearly, ensuring that their audiences are aware of any paid promotions or sponsorships.
• Malta's Gaming Authority (MGA) regulates online gaming services, ensuring that gambling-related platforms and games do not exploit children or encourage addictive behaviours. The MGA's regulations include provisions for fair advertising, transparent communication, and the protection of vulnerable groups, including minors, from addictive gaming features.  

Mental health and well-being

• The Safer Internet Centre plays a crucial role in promoting online safety and mental health for children. It is a part of a European initiative under the Better Internet for Kids (BIK) programme. The SIC provides resources, conducts awareness campaigns, and supports parents, children, and educators regarding online risks and how to maintain mental well-being online. It also runs helplines for reporting online abuse and offers guidance on the emotional impact of online experiences.
• The Children’s Policy Framework 2024-2030 includes measures that address the risks of online abuse, such as cyberbullying and exposure to harmful content. It incorporates elements of mental health support and aims to provide a protective framework for children in the digital space.

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

• Following educational directives within Malta and Gozo, online safety constitutes an integral component of the curriculum offered to all students aged seven to 16 under the subject of Personal and Social Development. The subject matter addressed within this curriculum varies commensurate with the age group of the students, encompassing themes such as critical thinking, management of inappropriate content dissemination, and understanding digital footprints. Furthermore, teachers responsible for delivering this curriculum undergo periodic training sessions conducted by the Safer Internet Centre, ensuring they remain abreast of contemporary trends and methodologies in the field of online safety education. Additionally, the educational workbooks utilised by students within this curriculum are developed and endorsed by the Safer Internet Centre, thereby ensuring alignment with established best practices and guidelines.
• The Safer Internet Centre conducts regular teacher sessions, supplemented by online sessions facilitated by the Institute for Further Education. Additionally, a dedicated curriculum module focusing on online safety has been scheduled for the forthcoming academic year, specifically tailored for educators enrolled in courses at the Institute for Further Education.
• Malta has introduced specific measures to address cyberbullying in schools, including guidelines for schools on how to handle incidents of cyberbullying. The Cyberbullying Prevention Strategy emphasises schools' need for clear policies on managing cyberbullying incidents, including reporting procedures, support for victims, and disciplinary actions for perpetrators. This strategy aims to create a safe environment for students and ensure that school authorities take cyberbullying seriously.
• While Malta does not have a specific national law governing smartphone use in schools, schools are encouraged to develop their own policies regarding mobile phone use. Many schools in Malta have adopted rules restricting smartphone use during lessons to minimize distractions and prevent misuse, such as cyberbullying or accessing inappropriate content. Some schools may allow smartphones for educational purposes under supervised conditions.
• The Safer Internet Centre is also a key player in promoting digital safety beyond formal education. SIC offers outreach programs, workshops, and campaigns targeting various community groups, including vulnerable and marginalised youth. These programs aim to raise awareness of online risks like cyberbullying, online predators, and harmful content. SIC also offers resources for parents and educators, ensuring that the wider community is involved in protecting children and young people online.

Digital literacy skills to empower young people

• The Maltese education system integrates digital literacy across various educational levels. This includes equipping students with the skills to effectively use digital tools and technologies, understanding digital citizenship, and promoting critical thinking in the digital realm. Digital literacy efforts in Malta aim to empower individuals to navigate the digital landscape safely, responsibly, and confidently.
• One notable initiative is the Media Literacy in Malta project, which aims to enhance media literacy skills among educators, parents, and children. This project includes workshops, seminars, and resources designed to teach children how to analyse, compare, and critically evaluate the credibility and reliability of sources of data, information, and digital content.
  Additionally, schools in Malta integrate media literacy into their curriculum, with a focus on teaching students how to assess the trustworthiness of online information. This often involves lessons on identifying bias, fact-checking, and understanding the potential impact of misinformation. 

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

• Malta's National Youth Agency runs various programmes focusing on youth participation, civic engagement, and advocacy in the digital space. These programs encourage young people to get involved in local and national decision-making processes by providing platforms for them to express their opinions on digital issues, such as online safety, privacy, and digital rights. They also encourage youth to take action and advocate for causes they care about in the digital environment.
• Various NGOS and community organisations in Malta run programs that focus on empowering young people to use digital platforms for advocacy and active participation. These programs include digital literacy workshops, online campaigns, and social media activism. The goal is to equip young people with the skills to engage in digital activism effectively, participate in civic discourse online, and influence public policy on issues such as digital rights and online safety.
• The Safer Internet Centre Malta (SIC Malta) promotes digital engagement and youth advocacy by raising awareness about online safety, rights, and responsibilities. SIC Malta encourages young people to get involved in online campaigns, discussions, and projects related to digital safety, privacy, and responsible use of technology. The Centre collaborates with schools, youth organisations, and other stakeholders to foster active participation in the digital space.
• Malta has also seen the emergence of youth-led digital advocacy initiatives focusing on topics such as data privacy, freedom of expression, and combating online hate speech. These initiatives allow young people to actively engage in the development of policies and campaigns aimed at protecting digital rights and promoting a more inclusive digital space. They often involve collaboration with other youth organisations, policymakers, and digital rights groups.
• The Malta Youth Parliament is an initiative that allows young people to engage in the democratic process and advocate for issues they care about, including those related to the digital environment. Members of the Youth Parliament are given the platform to discuss issues such as online rights, digital literacy, and internet governance. The Youth Parliament serves as a mechanism for young people to contribute their perspectives on digital policy and to advocate for change on topics like online privacy and the regulation of digital platforms. 

Supporting children’s rights

• SIC Malta plays a central role in raising awareness about children's rights in the digital environment. The SIC runs various initiatives to educate children, parents, and educators about online safety, digital rights, and responsible internet use.
• Malta’s National Digital Literacy Strategy for Schools focuses on educating students on technical skills and their rights and responsibilities in the digital world.
• The Office of the Commissioner for Children ensures that children’s rights are upheld in all areas, including the digital environment. This includes educating children about their right to privacy, protection from exploitation, and safe online experiences. The office participates in national and international forums that promote children’s digital rights and safe use of technology, ensuring that children’s voices are heard in policy discussions on digital issues.
• Malta regularly holds public consultations and forums on issues related to digital policy, where young people are encouraged to participate and contribute their ideas. These consultations may focus on topics such as online safety, data privacy, and digital rights. Young people are often invited to share their views and advocate for policies protecting their digital rights.
• SIC Malta publishes child-friendly versions of important documents related to online safety, digital rights, and responsible internet use. These guides often break down complex legal or technical language into simpler terms, making them more accessible to children and young people. The Centre develops educational materials and resources for schools and other organisations, such as posters, infographics, and video content, that explain key policy topics related to internet safety and children’s rights online in a way that is engaging and easy to understand.    

Digital inclusion

• There are various efforts in Malta to ensure inclusiveness in children's active participation. Organisations like the Office of the Commissioner for Children and local NGOs often organise events and activities to engage children from diverse backgrounds. These initiatives typically strive to ensure a balance of age, gender, urban/rural representation, and inclusion of seldom-heard and hard-to-reach youth populations. Moreover, the SIC also seeks to include children from vulnerable backgrounds in their educational campaigns, mainly children facing difficult family situations and residing in residential homes or foster care and children with disabilities.
• The Maltese government has implemented programs to address digital inequality by providing digital devices to children who might not otherwise have access to technology. For example, the government has distributed laptops and tablets to students from lower-income families to ensure that they can participate in online learning and other digital activities. These efforts are particularly important for students who may be at risk of being excluded from digital participation due to a lack of access to the necessary technology.

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

Read the full 2025 edition of the Policy monitor report.

BIK+ index 2025: Malta

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 Malta 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.