Young people interact with the digital world daily. Whether they’re gaming, chatting with friends, or seeking homework help, they make the most of the countless opportunities for learning and connection that the internet offers. However, this also exposes children and adolescents to risks, such as harmful or age-inappropriate content, often when they least expect it.

So, how can we protect their safety without compromising their rights in the digital space? This is a key issue driving global political discussions, and age assurance tools are emerging as a solution for creating safer online spaces for children.

In line with the European Union’s Better Internet for Kids+ (BIK+) strategy, we’re excited to announce the new age assurance guide section on the BIK platform. These new resources are designed to make this topic more accessible and understandable for everyone, from the general public to young people.

Too often, discussions about age assurance are clouded by technical jargon, making it difficult for non-experts to engage. That’s why we’ve simplified the language, offering clear and practical guidance that empowers families, educators, and digital service providers to take meaningful action.

What’s in the Guide to age assurance section?

Here’s a snapshot of what you’ll find in the updated section:

1. NEW! Family-friendly age assurance toolkit

The most exciting addition to our Guide to age assurance is a collection of bite-sized explainers, thoughtfully designed for families and educators. These resources are available both as webpages and a downloadable booklet, making it easy to choose the format that works best for you.

Here’s what the toolkit offers:

• Clear, jargon-free explanations of what age assurance is and why it matters.
• A comprehensive glossary of key definitions from the age assurance field, simplifying complex terms.
• Engaging visuals to make the content accessible and appealing to all ages.

Whether you’re a teacher looking to raise awareness in your classroom, or a parent eager to keep your child safe online, these explainers deliver everything you need in a straightforward and easy-to-digest format.

2. Mapping age assurance typologies and requirements

This report, commissioned by the European Commission as part of the BIK+ strategy, provides an overview of age assurance methods, challenges, and the legal frameworks that shape them.

It’s an ideal starting point for understanding how different age assurance tools function, their strengths and limitations, and the key considerations for implementing them effectively.

3. Guide to age assurance for digital providers

For digital service providers, we offer two key resources: the self-assessment questionnaire and its accompanying manual. These tools provide a structured framework to evaluate and enhance age assurance practices.

While not a legal compliance mechanism, the self-assessment tool serves as a practical guide to help providers:

• Promote safety and inclusivity in their services.
• Align their practices with regulatory requirements under the Digital Services Act (DSA), Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD), and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
• Make informed, thoughtful decisions regarding age assurance measures.

Providers can download these resources to ensure their platforms meet best practices for protecting children online while respecting their rights.

Visit the updated Guide to age assurance section on our platform today to explore these innovative and accessible resources!