Better Internet for Kids

Classes in primary and secondary schools, except the first triad of primary schools, were still being held online on Safer Internet Day in February; pupils and students had experienced almost four months of schooling from home by then. Therefore, running an online event was the only sensible choice.

In collaboration with the improvisational theatre IGLU, the national awareness centre prepared two interactive online shows entitled “Well-being and the internet”; one for the second triad and one for the third triad of primary school. As the localised theme of this year's Safer Internet Day in Slovenia was well-being and health on the internet, actors Vid Sodnik and Juš Milčinski prepared skits on healthy internet relationships, the impact of the internet on young people's self-esteem, and the importance of proper screen time. Both shows contained entertaining and instructive sketches, for example, what our return to "reality" will look like after the end of the COVID-19 epidemic and the risks of using the internet and smart devices that can affect our well-being and health. Some attention was also given to the impact of influencers and online chatting. Both shows additionally involved the spectators who co-created the content by voting via the Mentimeter website.

The improvisers ended the show by suggesting that we need to be careful on the internet, as despite being a great tool for both entertainment and exploration, it can still be full of traps. They also emphasised the importance of balancing screen time and time spent in nature.

A total of 212 schools signed up to watch the shows livestreamed via YouTube, and more than 11,000 pupils watched both shows. The show for the second triad was watched live by more than 5,500 pupils and the show for the third triad by more than 5,700 pupils. Recordings of both shows were made publicly available on the Safe.si website and YouTube on the same day, especially as some schools wanted to watch shows later in the day or the following days. By the end of February, the recordings had jointly gained more than 30,000 views. A student and teacher evaluation showed they liked both shows very much.

Given the circumstances with COVID-19 restrictions, the interactive online show was a perfect solution, and the national awareness centre is satisfied with its implementation. Through the shows, pupils were reminded about risks on the internet that can affect our well-being and self-esteem. 

Both shows are available in Slovene language as follows:

• 2nd triad
• 3rd triad

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