Better Internet for Kids

At the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2024 in Riyadh (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia), the Insafe network once again showcased its commitment to building a better internet for children and young people. Located in the IGF Village, the Insafe booth served as a vibrant hub for promoting safer internet initiatives and fostering dialogue on child online safety.

A dynamic presence in the IGF Village

The booth, as in previous years, provided visitors with a wealth of information about the Better Internet for Kids (BIK) initiative and its comprehensive offerings. This included resources and tools for parents, educators, and young people to support safe and empowering online experiences.

Spotlight on Safer Internet Day 2025 and the new SID mascot

This year, a key focus was promoting the upcoming Safer Internet Day (SID) 2025, celebrated annually in February. A highlight of the booth was the new SID mascot, co-created with young people from across Europe. This engaging and child-friendly character symbolises inclusivity, creativity, and the shared commitment to making the internet a safer and better place for all. Visitors were invited to meet the mascot and learn about its story, reflecting the collaborative effort of youth in shaping the initiative.

Insafe delegation at IGF 2024 booth  

Interactive activities and engagement

The booth featured a variety of activities to engage IGF participants, including:

• Information cards showcasing the menAble project, a new initiative focused on addressing the challenges boys and young men face online, such as mental health, online grooming, and harmful content. These cards offered concise insights into the project's goals and actionable recommendations for stakeholders.
• Promotional materials such as flyers, posters, and stickers featuring the SID mascot and BIK branding.
• Live demonstrations of BIK tools and resources, showcasing how they can be used to tackle challenges like cyberbullying, sextortion, and online exploitation.

The team also encouraged discussions on youth participation, emphasising the importance of empowering young people as active contributors to the digital world.

A truly global gathering

IGF 2024 brought together participants from across the globe, representing a diverse range of countries, cultures, and perspectives. Policymakers, educators, civil society organisations, and tech industry leaders converged to address pressing issues in digital governance. The Insafe booth provided a welcoming space for this international audience, fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration to promote safer internet practices worldwide.

Insafe delegation at the booth of the Australian government  

A platform for networking and advocacy

The booth offered opportunities for stakeholders to connect and exchange ideas on advancing safer internet practices globally. It also highlighted the collective impact of Safer Internet Centres (SICs) in implementing national initiatives under the BIK framework.

Looking ahead

As IGF 2024 drew attention to critical issues in digital governance, the Insafe booth underscored the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach to ensure children’s rights are protected online. The introduction of the SID mascot exemplifies how collaborative, youth-centred initiatives can inspire action and raise awareness.

Image - Insafe delegation at the booth of the Australian government  

For more information about Better Internet for Kids, Safer Internet Day, and ongoing initiatives, visit the Better Internet for Kids portal.