Participants from all over the world explored how European Safer Internet Centres are fostering a safer digital environment for young people.
On Sunday, 15 December 2024, the Day 0 event, First aid online – Making the difference for children, took centre stage at the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Riyadh (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia). Organised by the Insafe network as part of its mission to promote safer internet practices, the event highlighted the critical role of child helplines in ensuring digital safety and well-being.
Opening ceremony of IGF 2024
The session was built on the Better Internet for Kids (BIK+) strategy, adopted by the European Commission in 2022, which emphasises protection, empowerment, and participation as pillars for children’s online experiences. Participants explored how European Safer Internet Centres (SICs), through national helplines and educational initiatives, are fostering a safer digital environment for young people.
Spotlight on best practices
The Belgian Safer Internet Centre was represented by Niels Van Paemel of Child Focus, who delivered a compelling presentation on combating Non-consensual intimate images (NCII), sextortion, and the challenges posed by artificial intelligence (AI). These are pressing issues affecting children and young people in the digital space.
From Poland, Anna Rywczynska of NASK, a leading research institute specialising in cyber security, shed light on strategies to address cyberbullying, a prevalent concern in online interactions. Both speakers shared actionable insights from their national initiatives, showcasing how helplines are essential for early intervention and long-term solutions.
Insafe delegation at the Day 0 event
Promoting the Better Internet for Kids initiative
The session also served as an opportunity to promote the Better Internet for Kids (BIK) initiative, funded by the European Commission (EC). Through its support, Safer Internet Centres continue to advance resources and frameworks that prioritise children's safety online.
Youth perspectives
The session featured an inspiring intervention by João, BIK Youth Ambassador from Portugal, who represented a network of over 40 young leaders from across Europe. Their perspectives underscored the importance of child-led initiatives in shaping safe and inclusive digital environments.
Engaging discussion
The event concluded with an interactive Q&A, moderated by both onsite and online facilitators. This hybrid format encouraged robust participation, allowing attendees from diverse regions to contribute to the discussion.
Looking ahead
As technology continues to evolve, sessions like these reinforce the commitment to prioritising children’s rights and safety online. By bridging local expertise with international frameworks like the Digital Services Act (DSA), Safer Internet Centres are well-positioned to adapt to emerging challenges and opportunities in the digital age.
For more details about the event and ongoing initiatives, visit the Better Internet for Kids portal or explore the IGF 2024 schedule.
More from this author
Participants from all over the world explored how European Safer Internet Centres are fostering a safer digital environment for young people.
On Sunday, 15 December 2024, the Day 0 event, First aid online – Making the difference for children, took centre stage at the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Riyadh (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia). Organised by the Insafe network as part of its mission to promote safer internet practices, the event highlighted the critical role of child helplines in ensuring digital safety and well-being.
Opening ceremony of IGF 2024
The session was built on the Better Internet for Kids (BIK+) strategy, adopted by the European Commission in 2022, which emphasises protection, empowerment, and participation as pillars for children’s online experiences. Participants explored how European Safer Internet Centres (SICs), through national helplines and educational initiatives, are fostering a safer digital environment for young people.
Spotlight on best practices
The Belgian Safer Internet Centre was represented by Niels Van Paemel of Child Focus, who delivered a compelling presentation on combating Non-consensual intimate images (NCII), sextortion, and the challenges posed by artificial intelligence (AI). These are pressing issues affecting children and young people in the digital space.
From Poland, Anna Rywczynska of NASK, a leading research institute specialising in cyber security, shed light on strategies to address cyberbullying, a prevalent concern in online interactions. Both speakers shared actionable insights from their national initiatives, showcasing how helplines are essential for early intervention and long-term solutions.
Insafe delegation at the Day 0 event
Promoting the Better Internet for Kids initiative
The session also served as an opportunity to promote the Better Internet for Kids (BIK) initiative, funded by the European Commission (EC). Through its support, Safer Internet Centres continue to advance resources and frameworks that prioritise children's safety online.
Youth perspectives
The session featured an inspiring intervention by João, BIK Youth Ambassador from Portugal, who represented a network of over 40 young leaders from across Europe. Their perspectives underscored the importance of child-led initiatives in shaping safe and inclusive digital environments.
Engaging discussion
The event concluded with an interactive Q&A, moderated by both onsite and online facilitators. This hybrid format encouraged robust participation, allowing attendees from diverse regions to contribute to the discussion.
Looking ahead
As technology continues to evolve, sessions like these reinforce the commitment to prioritising children’s rights and safety online. By bridging local expertise with international frameworks like the Digital Services Act (DSA), Safer Internet Centres are well-positioned to adapt to emerging challenges and opportunities in the digital age.
For more details about the event and ongoing initiatives, visit the Better Internet for Kids portal or explore the IGF 2024 schedule.
- digital literacy helplines well-being
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