Better Internet for Kids

The Recommendations on Online Influencer Marketing by the Belgian Advertising Council for online influencers, updated in 2022, require influencers to clearly disclose commercial communications. Influencers must use clear tags (e.g., ""reclame"", ""advertentie"") in the language of the audience, and ensure transparency for consumers, especially minors. The recommendations align with the Belgian Code of Economic Law and EU consumer protection rules. JEP (Jury for Ethical Practices in Advertising) handles complaints and monitors compliance.

(Source: JEP)

The Influencer Guidelines, first published in 2018,  provide guidance for online influencers, advertisers, agencies, media, and platforms. These guidelines emphasise the importance of transparency, requiring influencers to clearly disclose any commercial relationships by using terms such as ‘advertising,’ ‘sponsorship,’ or hashtags like #ad, #spon, or #prom. The guidelines also mandate that such disclosures be prominent and easily understandable to consumers.

The Belgium Code of Conduct for Advertising and Marketing Communications to children is a selef-regulatory code that sets guidelines on marketing and advertising directed at children, including digital environments. It addresses manipulative advertising techniques and prohibits content that exploits children's inexperience or credulity. The application of the code is controlled by the Jury for Ethical Practice in Advertising (JEP), the self-regulatory body of the advertising sector in Belgium, which is composed of advertisers, marketing bureaus, media and consumers.

(Source: JEP)

The National Programme for the Prevention of Violence and Abuse of Children 2023–2026, adopted in 2023, is a comprehensive programme, outlining strategies to combat violence against children, including online threats. It emphasises coordination among institutions and the development of integrated services for victims. Through the implementation of the programme and the action plan, the aim is to reduce cases of violence and exploitation against children, as well as to collect uniform data on these cases.

The National Ethical Standards for Advertising and Commercial Communication serves as the foundational self-regulatory framework guiding ethical practices in advertising and marketing communications within the country.  The Code is generally applicable to all participants in the advertising industry in Bulgaria including advertisers and other marketing operators, advertising agencies, the media and all other persons involved in advertising or any form of commercial communication in general and sets standards of professional conduct in the industry.

The National Strategy for Mental Health (2021-2030), developed by the Ministry of Health aims to enhance mental health services, including those for children and adolescents. It emphasizes integrating cross-sectoral policies across healthcare, education, and social services to address mental health challenges, including those related to online environments.

(Source: Ministry of Health)

Entities responsible for implementation: Ministry of Health of Bulgaria

The Digital Bulgaria 2025 Programme aims at modernising and increasing the widespread implementation of intelligent information technology (IT) solutions in all areas of the economy and social life. Another objective of the programme focuses on the strategic enhancement of digital competence and skills at all levels.The Digital Bulgaria 2025 programme is coordinated by the Ministry of Transport, Information Technology and Communication of Bulgaria. 

Guidelines for the Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Education System were issued by Bulgaria's Ministry of Education and Science in May 2024 and govern the use of artificial intelligence in schools. The guidelines are not mandatory or binding. The guidelines were prepared by a  working group at the Ministry of Education and Science which has asked that these be put into use by teachers and especially principals,  since a large part of the decisions on the implementation of AI will depend on the principals.

The Child Protection Act (CPA) is the main specialised act in the Bulgarian legislative system that regulates the state policy concerning children at risk. It governs the rights, principles and measures for the protection of the child, the responsible bodies and their interaction in exercising  child protection activities. The state protects and guarantees the fundamental rights of the child in all spheres of public life for all children. The philosophy of the law is rooted in the understanding that the family is the best environment for raising and development of every child.

The Cyprus Digital Skills National Action Plan 2021-2025 is a comprehensive strategy designed to accelerate the country’s digital transformation and ensure all citizens are equipped for the digital era. Developed by the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, the plan addresses key challenges such as the digital skills gap, low digital literacy rates, and the underrepresentation of women in ICT. Its vision is to create a digitally mature society that can actively participate in the digital economy and society.