On 25 October 2024, the Safer Internet Centre Sweden hosted their first national conference, "A Better Internet for Kids" to strengthen the safety for kids online. One of the most important program presentations was held by the Safer Internet Centre’s youth panel. The event targeted adults working with children and youth, aiming to share knowledge, awareness of support possibilities and to promote collaboration.  

The hybrid event gathered 112 participants on site and more than 1000 have now seen the conference online.  

Voices of youth

The Safer Internet Centre’s youth panel shared their perspectives on digital challenges. They called for open dialogue with adults and highlighted the importance of adult presence as role models online. Ellen Åberg from the Swedish Youth Council encouraged adults to educate themselves to better understand the digital reality. The youth panel had invited a representative from Tik Tok, the Swedish ombudsman for children and a principal from a middle school that asked questions to the youth panel. The main point from the youth panel was that internet is an important part of children’s lives and a tool for freedom in their perspective. It is impossible to reach the young with advice on how to stay safe if one doesn’t acknowledge the importance of that freedom.

Digital Services Act (DSA)

State secretary Karin Svanborg-Sjövall opened the day by emphasising adults' responsibility to protect children from harmful content. She highlighted the DSA, the law enacted in February 2024, as a key measure for safer internet use. Annika Östergren Pofantis from the EU Commission explained that the DSA requires platforms to avoid targeted advertising towards minors and facilitate the reporting of inappropriate content. The presentation also covered guidelines for identifying addictive design and the role of AI in content moderation.

Risks and support

The Safer Internet Centres organisations ECPAT and Bris highlighted risks such as sexual exploitation and the need to support children. The Swedish Media Authority presented statistics on the link between digital media and children's mental health, particularly among girls with neuropsychiatric diagnoses. The agency also shared findings from their latest dialogue with children on the theme media use and health, and children and young people’s thoughts on influencers’ role in their social lives and their attitudes towards influencers.  

The future

The conference concluded with a panel discussion on future measures to strengthen children's rights and online safety. The focus was on collaboration between societal stakeholders and increased support for schools.

The conference highlighted importance of ongoing dialogue between adults and youth and the need for a safer internet for children.

Link to the conference on YouTube:

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