Better Internet for Kids

The special edition, Donald Duck & Co – Online with Donald, is aimed at children aged 8–12 and has been developed within the framework of the Swedish Safer Internet Centre (SIC). Designed as an educational tool, the magazine can be used by teachers, educators and schools across the country to introduce important conversations about the online world.

A resource for schools

The material is tailored for both teachers, educators, school professionals and young people. It aims not only to raise awareness of online risks but also to strengthen children’s ability to handle different situations online. The magazine also provides solutions such as the Digital Services Act, as well as contacts and facts about the Swedish helpline (Bris) and hotline (ECPAT).

“We see that both pupils and school staff have benefited greatly from the magazine. It is of course about the knowledge children gain regarding what it means to be online. But just as important are the conversations that emerge between adults and children through the material” 
Annika Engström, Project Manager at SIC Sweden

To support classroom use, the magazine is accompanied by a teacher’s guide with material regarding classroom held education, cross-curricular links to civics, technology, and Swedish language studies. The guide provides concrete ideas and interactive exercises on how to deepen the content of the magazine and create meaningful discussions. The overall aim is to equip children and young people with tools to navigate digital environments with greater confidence and safety.

Beyond the classroom

From the start, one of the hopes was that the material would not only be used during lessons but also spark conversations at home. This has indeed been the case.

“When we hear reports that children have taken the magazine home to discuss issues such as screen time, misinformation, and mobile phone use with their families, we really feel the material has met our expectations” adds Annika Engström.

Strong demand from schools

The magazine was distributed through a platform providing teachers, educators and youth professionals with access to relevant tools that support young people's learning. The material was released in two rounds: once at the beginning of the summer, and again at the start of the new school term in August.

On both occasions, around 30,000 copies were made available, and were quickly snapped up.

“As the project’s communications officer, it was particularly rewarding to see the material reach schools so quickly, especially considering the limited marketing we did before the launch” 
Rebecca Röhlander, Communications Officer at SIC Sweden

Simple but effective communication

The communication strategy was relatively straightforward. The launch was announced through the SIC’s newsletter, the Swedish Agency for the Media social media channels and newsletters, as well as the distribution platform’s newsletter, which reaches nearly 50,000 subscribers working in schools and youth organisations. Thanks to this coordinated effort, the material spread rapidly to educators across the country.

Positive outcomes

The Swedish Safer Internet Centre is highly satisfied with the results. The special edition of Donald Duck & Co, together with the teacher’s guide and classroom resources, has proven to be both popular and effective. The collaboration with Story House Egmont has also provided valuable experience on how creative partnerships with children’s media can help bring complex digital topics closer to young audiences.

By blending entertainment with education, this initiative demonstrates how schools, public institutions, and publishers can work together to support children in becoming not only safer but also more empowered digital citizens.

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