Better Internet for Kids

In 2021 the EU adopted its first comprehensive strategy on the rights of the child. The strategy covers six areas: children’s participation, inclusion in society, keeping children safe from harm, child- friendly justice, keeping children safe in the digital world and helping children globally. The strategy includes, among other actions a call to update the Better Internet for Children strategy, as well as other recommendations for Member States and companies.

(Source: EC Compendium of BIK-related legislation).

The objective of the European Child Guarantee is to prevent and combat social exclusion by guaranteeing effective access of children in need to a set of key services:

In 2022, the Commission proposed a list of digital rights and principles, so daily online life for everyone in the EU is better and safer. They say that people should be free to make their choices online and participate in online discussions and other activities. The internet should become a safer and more secure place, especially for children.

Racist and xenophobic hate speech, online or offline, is a crime in the EU and is not protected by the right to freedom of expression. Under EU law, hate speech refers to expressions which incites to violence or hate targeting a person or group of persons because of their race, colour, religion, ethnic origin or nationality. This is established for in the Framework Decision 2008/913/JHA on combating certain forms and expressions of racism and xenophobia.

The Code brings together industry to voluntarily combat online disinformation. In 2021, the Commission published guidance to make it even stronger, so that the online environment will be more clear, safe and reliable, including for children and other vulnerable groups. Facebook, Google and Twitter, Mozilla, Microsoft and TikTok, among others, have signed up. Best practice includes examples of fact-checking resources, and prioritizing news from trusted sources. An updated Code will be published in March 2022.

(Source: EC Compendium of BIK-related legislation).

The DigComp project, implemented by the Joint Research Centre on behalf of the European Commission, started in 2010. Since then, awareness among Member States of DigComp as the EU-wide framework for framing digital skills policy, developing, and measuring digital competence, has consistently increased.

The Strategy aims to prevent and combat all forms of antisemitism, especially online; protect and support Jewish life in the EU; and promote education, research and Holocaust remembrance, in the EU and globally. The Commission supports Member States to prevent all forms of discrimination against children, including antisemitism, in schools, in sport and other activities, as well as online. Every European child should learn about Jewish life and culture, the history of the Holocaust and antisemitism, as part of Europe’s history.

The Strategy covers laws and other actions to fight child sexual abuse both online and offline. It covers stopping this crime from happening in the first place, helping its victims access comprehensive assistance and supporting law enforcement. A new centre will coordinate these different strands.

The Digital Education Action Plan (2021-2027) supports the education and training systems in EU Member States to adapt to the digital age. In one action, the Commission is developing guidelines for teachers and educators to fight disinformation and promote digital literacy, so young people can use social media platforms safely and identify reliable information.

(Source: EC Compendium of BIK-related legislation)

The EU Youth Strategy (2019-2027) encourages more young people to participate in democratic life (e.g. discuss publicly or actively online things that are important for everybody, vote in elections). The EU wants to support young people so they know about their rights, and have the skills and necessary resources to play an active part in society.

(Source: EC Compendium of BIK-related legislation).