This year, another DigiDuck story was released together with S-Unit and with input from Veiliginternetten.nl and Alert Online. DigiDuck is special Donald Duck with focused knowledge in digital security and digital skills. It is a perfect way to raise awareness among children about cybercrime in a playful way, and to give them tips to encourage a safer use of the internet and social media platforms. 280,000 copies of the story were sent to all subscribers and distributed to as many children and young people as possible through partners of the Safer Internet Centre and Dutch libraries.  

Network session on online shaming 

Netwerk Mediawijsheid organised a network session in collaboration with Helpwanted and Bureau Jeugd & Media tackling online shaming and hurtful comments. Online shaming is common among children and young people; there are countless ways in which they can hurt each other online. The session discussed about what role media literacy can play in preventing online shaming and how to you inspire children and young people to respect each other's privacy online. 

Other initiatives 

The educational game Mediamasters can be played all year round. With these interactive assignments, young people learn about the opportunities and dangers of digital media. Safer Internet Day was the perfect time to reflect on online dangers with the Cybercrime Theme Mission.

Telecommunications provider VodafoneZiggo launched  an extra lesson on SID in its Online Masters curriculum in which young people learn how to verify whether a message is real or fake. Online Masters is a free curriculum with 14 lessons about being safe, skilled and aware online.  

The InternetHelden, in collaboration with LINDA, launched a three-part podcast series about online safety. From 8 February onwards, a new episode is released every week on one of three different topics: Don't fall for falsehood, Share wisely and Cyberbullying.  

The Dutch police has developed re_B00TCMP, a resource for young people with a special interest in IT skills. The aim of the project is to inform these young people about the opportunities and challenges of the internet. On SID, young people learn more about online boundaries and the impact of cybercrime. Prior to re_B00TCMP, guest lectures were given at schools. 

A safe online world for children and young people starts with discussing what is happening in the digital environment. Whether it is about discussing online bullying, threats, scams, the negative consequences of sexting or privacy-related issues, it is important that young people feel they can share their questions or experience. At the Dutch hotline De Kindertelefoon this is possible every day, free of charge and anonymously. During SID, De Kindertelefoon paid extra attention to these topics on social media.  

For this year’s SID, HackShield had the Junior Cyber ​​Agents sharing tips for a safer use of the internet, because the Junior Cyber ​​Agents can protect themselves and others against online danger like no other. The online tips were shared on HackShield's social media channels and website. 

During the Wanna Media symposium, the lectorate of Windesheim presented the results of the media research conducted last year together with students, clients and employees of several practical organisations. 

Lastly, international children’s rights movement Defence for Children and digital learning organisation Kennisnet focused on digital literacy with special activities throughout the day. 

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