Better Internet for Kids

The event opened with a video address from Petra Bevek of the Slovenian Ministry of Digital Transformation and a keynote from Theresa Elhage, Communication and Advocacy Manager at All Digital. They underscored the importance of placing digital wellbeing at the centre of Europe’s digital transformation and highlighted the campaign’s goal of supporting meaningful digital participation for all.  

In his keynote speech, Tiago Silva, Membership Manager at All Digital, explored why digital wellbeing is not simply a personal concern but a societal priority. He emphasised that as AI becomes embedded in daily life, from communication to education, Europe’s competitiveness increasingly depends on citizens’ ability to navigate digital spaces confidently, safely, and autonomously. 

Breakout discussions: from skills to policy  

Participants then joined thematic breakout groups where several critical issues surfaced: 

• Understanding digital wellbeing
  Groups reflected on how to define and measure digital wellbeing through indicators such as confidence, safety, access, and digital usage patterns. The discussion highlighted concerns about mental health and the need to integrate wellbeing into digital education rather than treating it as a separate topic.
• Critical thinking and media literacy
  Given the spread of misinformation and the addictive nature of online platforms, participants emphasised the importance of equipping young people with strong critical thinking and digital literacy skills.
• AI in education
  The integration of AI in classrooms was discussed as both an opportunity and a challenge. Teachers often lack adequate training to use AI effectively, raising questions about support structures, curriculum development, and co‑creation with young people.
• Governance and tailored policy
  Groups pointed out that one‑size‑fits‑all digital policies risk excluding vulnerable groups. More localised, tailored, and bottom‑up approaches were recommended to ensure policies meet diverse community needs.

Policy panel: digital wellbeing and inclusion in EU strategies 

The highlight of the event was the policy panel, featuring: 

• Francesca Maltauro, Deputy Head of Unit, Digital Education, European Commission
• Julie Guichard, EU Digital Safety – Government Affairs, Microsoft
• Laia Orozco Joan, Head of Digital Equity Lab, Bofill Foundation
• Diogo Heinen, Digital Well‑Being & Inclusive Technology Expert, MAKS 

The panel engaged in a wide-ranging discussion on digital wellbeing and inclusion in EU strategies. Speakers stressed: 

• the need for trust and safety‑by‑design in digital services.
• ensuring age‑appropriate and ethical technology for young people.
• strengthening teacher guidance and support in an era of AI‑enhanced learning.
• reducing inequalities in digital access and skills.
• moving beyond siloed approaches through stronger cross‑stakeholder collaboration. 

Panellists also emphasised that teachers and educators cannot shoulder this responsibility alone; parents, carers, policymakers, and industry must all play a role in creating healthier digital ecosystems. Digital wellbeing is now inseparable from digital inclusion, mental health, and social participation. Young people experience both the benefits and pressures of digital life intensely, and without coordinated action, these pressures risk deepening inequalities.

The event made clear that digital wellbeing must become a shared European priority, supported through:

• inclusive policies.
• updated and accessible education systems.
• responsible technology design.
• and meaningful involvement of young people themselves in shaping digital futures.  

Conclusion  

The All Digital Week 2026 launch event served as an important reminder that Europe’s digital transformation must remain human centred. As AI and online environments grow more complex, safeguarding digital wellbeing is essential, not just for personal resilience, but for democratic participation and social equality. Creating healthier digital spaces will require commitment from institutions, educators, civil society, industry, and youth communities alike.