Better Internet for Kids

The Communications Regulatory Authority of the Republic of Lithuania (RRT) is an independent agency focused on communication and media regulation. It is a member of the Safer Internet Centre, providing an internet hotline addressing pornography, sexual exploitation of children, CSAM, cyberbullying, and violence. Moreover, it includes information on content filtering tools to restrict access to and protect children from harmful content.
(Source: Website).

The Media Compass forms the basis for successful media education in schools. It shows how every teacher and every subject or module can contribute to the development, promotion and deepening of media skills. It thus offers teachers, educators and students a theoretical and practical framework of orientation.

In Luxembourg, a national policy for well-being in schools has been developed and will be implemented in all high schools by 2025. The policy aims to ensure that each student has the opportunity to thrive at school in complete safety and reach their full potential, while feeling supported, respected and valued. The initiative promotes dialogue between students and adults through open communication and peer work to create positive and trustful relationships. In addition, it provides an anti-violence tool in schools and supports youth involvement in the educational community.

This policy framework sets a plan for children in Malta by expanding children’s rights and guaranteeing the best interests of the child. Based on four priorities, the policy aims to promote a safer digital space and child participation. A feedback section is available for children to submit their ideas. A public consultation on the framework was launched in 2023. 
(Source: https://socialsecurity.gov.mt/).

The Malta Diġitali Strategy sets out the national strategy for 2022-2027 and highlights how Malta intends to maintain its momentum as a leader in digital transformation while remaining mindful of social and economic opportunities and challenges that arise. It sets out how Government shall act not only in its traditional role as policy maker, promoter and regulator, but also as a catalyst for change through digitalisation alongside other social and economic actors. 
(Source: Malta Diġitali).

The Creative Competition, a thematic initiative led by the Office of the Commissioner for Children, accepts submissions from children aged 5-16 on children’s rights. Children can participate by sending short stories, poetry, and visual art (drawing, photo, painting).
(Source: Office of the Commissioner for Children).

Entities responsible for implementation: Office of the Commissioner for Children.

The project Empowering Children’s Participation in Malta enables child participation and youth collaboration in policy-making. It aims to improve the quality of life for children in Malta, giving voice to their needs and perspectives. The project includes a platform and an app to facilitate participation and provide professional support to vulnerable children requiring assistance.
(Source: empoweringchildren.gov.mt/).

In the Netherlands, a Youth Council on digitalisation was established in September 2023, together with UNICEF. Children aged 11 to 17 advise the Minister for Digitalisation on relevant topics they encounter in their daily lives. The outcomes are fed into national policy on protecting children in the digital world. This initiative focuses on youth participation by safeguarding children's rights in the digital environment. Children aged 10 to 16 are trained to discuss digital matters that influence their lives, such as cyberbullying, online safety, and positive online content.

The Stichting Reclame Code (SRC) deals with the self-regulation system of advertising in The Netherlands. Self-regulation means that the advertising industry (advertisers, advertising agencies and the media) formulates the rules with which advertising must comply. Both the advertising industry and consumers are represented in the board of SRC  and in the Advertising Code Committee and the Board of Appeal.

The advertising rules can be found in the Dutch Advertising Code.
(Source: www.reclamecode.nl).

Article 139h (amended in 2019) of the Dutch Criminal Code addresses the production and possession of sexual/intimate images or material and revenge pornography. It determines the adequate sentence and punishment for a person involved in such crimes.
(Source: Criminal Code).

Entities responsible for implementation: Government of the Netherlands.