In today’s society, digital technologies are woven into the fabric of daily life, becoming integral to various aspects - from entertainment to education, finances to businesses, shopping to social life, and virtually everything in between. Children are not exempt from this digital integration. They can benefit from the opportunities the digital world offers but are also exposed to its risks.

While it is crucial to begin education about these risks at home, teachers, school administrators, and those working in non-formal education settings play a vital role in empowering students to use these technologies safely, ethically, and responsibly.

Moreover, the issues surrounding young people's use of digital technologies are high on the European Commission's (EC) agenda, with particular attention to topics such as mental health, cyberbullying, persuasive and addictive design, and the protection of young consumers.

For this reason, the Better Internet for Kids (BIK) initiative is excited to launch a free massive open online course (MOOC) titled "Child online safety: What educators need to know". This course will provide background information and an understanding of the specific risks and challenges children and young people face online. It will also explore how teachers and schools can help protect their pupils and raise awareness to tackle these challenges.

This course is open to primary and secondary school teachers, as well as non-formal educators, school staff, and policymakers. It aims to empower these groups with the tools to create safer online environments for young people.

Why join this MOOC?

Teachers and educators will be equipped with effective teaching strategies. They will learn how to foster safe, supportive digital environments and help students develop digital resilience and citizenship skills.

Policymakers will learn how to support the European strategy for a better internet for kids (BIK+) and align their actions with broader EU digital goals. They will explore how to balance the benefits of digital engagement with the need to manage online risks and privacy, crafting policies that promote well-being and resilience among young people.

Themes covered in the course:

• Mental health and well-being
• Cyberbullying
• Persuasive and addictive design
• Consumer protection

No prior experience in online safety is necessary!

Why should you join?

• Gain practical strategies for fostering online safety in students and young people.
• Learn about the European Commission’s Better Internet for Kids (BIK+) strategy and current policy priorities.
• Access cutting-edge resources and tools to enhance your teaching practice.
• Identify online opportunities, risks, and challenges faced by young people today.
• Develop strategies to combat cyberbullying, mental health impacts, and more.
• Connect with like-minded peers from across Europe, the network of Safer Internet Centres, and other European resources.

Who should join?
This course is ideal for:

• Primary and secondary school teachers of all subjects.
• New educators or those seeking to enhance their knowledge of online safety.
• School support staff, heads of schools, professionals in non-formal education.
• Policymakers.

Course details and certification:
Language:English
Duration: 4 weeks (3 February – 12 March)
Estimated study load: 3 hours per week. Flexible, self-paced learning schedule with structured modules.
Format: Peer learning with discussions and a dedicated Facebook group as an integral part of the course.
Certification:A digital badge and participation certificate will be available upon completion.

Join us today!
Don’t miss this opportunity to lead the way in online safety education. Enroll in the "Child online safety: What educators need to know" MOOC now!