Better Internet for Kids

The 2026 campaign focused on young people’s digital wellbeing, reflecting growing concerns about youth mental health and the potential impact of certain digital practices.

While digital technologies offer important opportunities for learning, creativity and social connection, hyperconnectivity, exposure to harmful or anxiety-inducing content, and toxic online interactions can also affect sleep, attention, self-esteem and relationships with others.  

Against this backdrop, the campaign aimed to raise awareness, encourage dialogue and equip young people, parents and educators with tools to foster healthier and more balanced digital habits. 

The SID events 

The campaign was officially launched through two institutional events organised on Safer Internet Day. The morning session took place during an event hosted by the French Ministry of Health and the Directorate-General for Health, highlighting the links between digital practices and youth mental health. In the afternoon, a national gathering was organised at the French Senate, bringing together representatives from public authorities, civil society organisations, the education community and private partners. 

Speakers included Anne Le Hénanff, Minister Delegate for Digital Affairs, Sarah El Haïry, High Commissioner for Childhood, and Clara Chappaz, ambassador for artificial intelligence.  

A central feature of the event was the strong participation of young people from the Internet Sans Crainte youth panels. Around 40 young panellists actively contributed to the discussions, moderated sessions and shared their experiences of digital life, ensuring that young voices were placed at the centre of the debate on digital wellbeing. 

Beyond their role during the event itself, the youth panels played a key role in shaping the campaign. For the first time, young participants co-designed a peer-to-peer awareness campaign aimed directly at teenagers. Developed with them from concept to content, the campaign adopted the visual codes, tone and cultural references of their generation.

Notably, it incorporated graphic references to 90s aesthetics, currently experiencing renewed popularity on social media platforms. This approach helped ensure authenticity and relevance in addressing young audiences. 

Partners of the French Safer Internet Centre consortium were also actively involved in the launch and the broader campaign. This included the helpline 3018 and the hotline Point de Contact, which contributed to the launch event and supported the digital outreach of the campaign. Both organisations relayed campaign materials through their networks and developed complementary awareness initiatives of their own. 

Social media campaigns

Beyond the launch events, the campaign combined a wide range of outreach actions. A national digital communication strategy included targeted marketing campaigns on major social media platforms and Google aimed at parents and caregivers, teachers and educators, and youth trainers.  

Around 15 content creators also took part in an influencer campaign whose publications were scheduled throughout February and March. Organic editorial content was shared across Facebook and Instagram, videos were published on YouTube, and advocacy efforts were carried out on LinkedIn through the institutional channels of Internet Sans Crainte and its spokespersons. 

Several formats were produced from the launch events and related activities – interviews, short video extracts and behind-the-scenes content – which were subsequently shared online, particularly through the programme’s Instagram account, in order to extend the reach of the campaign and highlight the voices of participating young people. 

National initiatives 

The campaign also had a strong territorial dimension. Awareness workshops were organised in schools across the country, including visits to educational establishments in the presence of the French Minister of Education and Sarah El Haïry, demonstrating the campaign’s commitment to engaging directly with students and educational communities. 

Alongside the awareness activities, a significant educational component provided free pedagogical kits and workshop resources for teachers and educators, enabling them to address digital wellbeing in classrooms. A dedicated strand targeted parents, caregivers and families through sustained information activities on dedicated social media channels, practical toolkits and a free webinar designed to help parents and caregivers better understand young people’s online experiences and encourage constructive dialogue at home. 

The campaign also attracted media attention, notably as it coincided with parliamentary discussions in France on a proposed law concerning restrictions on mobile phone use in high schools. This context provided an opportunity to promote a message of balance and nuance, emphasising that regulation alone cannot address the challenges of digital practices and that sustained awareness and educational initiatives are essential to support young people in developing healthy and responsible digital habits. 

More information on SID in France is available on the dedicated page.  

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