Better Internet for Kids

The latest sociological research conducted by Save the Children Romania at the end of 2025 highlights a digital reality that demands sustained attention: 

• six out of ten children witness cyberbullying, 
• nearly half have been contacted online by strangers, 
• over 68 per cent have been exposed to frightening or inappropriate content.

In a context where more than 70 per cent of children spend at least three hours online daily, and 80 per cent navigate the internet without restrictions, risk has become embedded in everyday digital life. Social media use is nearly universal, including among children aged 12–14, and more than one third of them maintain public profiles. 

This level of visibility increases vulnerability, facilitating contact from unknown individuals. Alarmingly, 30 per cent of children approached by strangers reported feeling uncomfortable or distressed as a result of these interactions.

One of the most concerning findings is the low rate of help-seeking behaviour. Despite the high levels of exposure to online risks, only 5 per cent of children report turning to a trusted adult for support. This suggests that many young people may perceive such experiences as common or unavoidable, which can reduce the likelihood of reporting incidents or seeking guidance when needed.

Highlights of Safer Internet Day 2026 in Romania

To counter the normalisation of online risks, the Romanian Safer Internet Centre (SIC) organised a high-level debate in Bucharest on 10 February 2026. This event brought together key decision-makers from the National Authority for Management and Regulation in Communications (ANCOM), the National Authority for the Protection of Rights of the Child and Adoption (ANPDCA), the Directorate for Combating Organised Crime (DCCO), the General Inspectorate of the Romanian Police (IGPR), the National Cyber Security Directorate (DNSC), and Microsoft Romania.

A highlight of the conference was the award ceremony for the national contest on personal data protection. This year’s competition showcased the creativity and awareness of students across all educational levels, with winners across four distinct categories: kindergarten, primary, lower secondary, and high school. These young champions were recognised and rewarded during the event by the dedicated industry partners, highlighting the vital role of private sector involvement in promoting digital responsibility from the very first steps of a young person’s education.

SID 2026 successes in Romania included:

1. Advocacy: the SIC officially called for stricter legislative measures, including robust age verification for children under 13 accessing social media, informed parental consent for those aged 13-15, and the mandatory inclusion of digital safety in the national curriculum.
2. Empowering educators: through the oradenet.ro and voluntapp.ro platforms, the SIC mobilised thousands of teachers and educators who conducted informative sessions in schools as part of the SID celebrations. 
3. Direct support: the Romanian helpline continues to be contacted daily, having handled over 15,800 requests for support on issues ranging from digital identity to cyberbullying over the years.
4. Combating abuse: the esc_ABUZ reporting line remains a critical tool in the fight against online child sexual exploitation, working in direct partnership with the Romanian police.

Moving forward, the focus remains on transforming these alarming statistics into a catalyst for sustainable change. Protecting children in the digital age requires a unified response where platform accountability, robust legislation, and digital literacy in schools converge to create a truly safe ecosystem. 

The commitment of the Romanian Safer Internet Centre is to ensure that no child feels forced to handle online threats in isolation. By continuing to provide specialised counseling through the helpline, maintaining the reporting mechanisms for illegal content, and equipping educators with updated resources, SICs are actively shifting the narrative. The goal is to replace the current culture of silence and acceptance with one of resilience and proactive protection, making the digital world a space that respects the rights and safety of every young user.

Find out more about Safer Internet Day in Romania. Alternatively, find more information about the work of the Romanian Safer Internet Centre, including its awareness raising, helpline, hotline, and youth participation services, or find similar information for other Safer Internet Centres throughout Europe.