Better Internet for Kids

The internet offers children and young people many empowering opportunities for personal growth, learning, and social exchange. However, along with these great benefits can come certain risks, including children facing content or services that may be harmful to them.

The Better Internet for Kids (BIK) Policy Monitor (previously the BIK Policy Map) has been tracking how European countries support children’s and young people’s digital experiences since 2014. Since its launch a decade ago, the main objective of this series has been to compare and exchange knowledge on policies and actions that promote children's safety and well-being in the digital environment based on the recommended measures of the European Strategy for a Better Internet for Kids (the BIK strategy).

Children and adolescents are deeply influenced by their interactions on social networks. A recent study highlights how these platforms shape their values, interests, and aspirations, from self-reflection to exploring career options and following favourite public figures. However, clear guidelines for social media usage must be set amidst this digital immersion. Engaging children in discussions about online safety and spending quality time with them helps them to navigate social networks responsibly and effectively.

As technology advances, so do the associated risks. Therefore, the Romanian Safer Internet Centre suggests browsing the Safer Internet Use Guide developed within their project. It covers a wide range of topics, from preventing cyberbullying and internet risks to aspects related to well-being in the virtual environment. It provides clear information, school activity plans, and discussion topics for parent meetings, helping to solidify the content.

Every year on May 9, the European Union and its citizens come together to celebrate Europe Day. It is a moment to reflect on the continent's shared values, achievements, and aspirations. Europe Day holds particular significance in 2024, as it marks yet another milestone in the journey of European integration and cooperation.

As adolescents navigate the vast online landscape, they encounter various risks, with sexting emerging as a particularly prevalent concern. Sexting, the practice of sharing explicit messages or images via digital platforms, poses profound threats to the emotional, psychological, and even legal welfare of young individuals. By shedding light on the inherent dangers and consequences of sexting, the Romanian Safer Internet Centre aims to empower parents to initiate meaningful conversations and equip their children with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the digital realm safely and respectfully.

Today, on Friday, 3 May 2024, the global community comes together to commemorate both Difference Day and World Press Freedom Day. This year, the tenth festive edition of Difference Day is taking place at Bozar with the theme 'Speak Freely, Listen Respectfully, Different Opinions Matter'. This overarching theme, which first illuminated the arrival of Difference Day in 2015, reminds us of the fundamental values of this celebration.

As part of the Better Internet for Kids (BIK) Quality Assurance Programme (QAP), the Insafe-INHOPE Coordination Teams are jointly conducting a set of 15 country visits to national Safer Internet Centres (SICs) to better understand what is happening in the Member States: monitoring emerging issues and challenges, identifying good practices to be shared, and harvesting the results of the Better Internet for Kids (BIK) policy. On Tuesday, 23 January 2024, a national visit to the premises of Offlimits in Amsterdam was organised by the Insafe-INHOPE Coordination Team.

As part of the Better Internet for Kids (BIK) Quality Assurance Programme (QAP), the Insafe-INHOPE Coordination Teams are jointly conducting a set of fifteen country visits to national Safer Internet Centres (SICs) to better understand what is happening in the Member States: monitoring emerging issues and challenges, identifying good practices to be shared, and harvesting the results of the Better Internet for Kids (BIK) policy. On 15-16 January 2024, the Insafe-INHOPE coordination team organised an online cluster meeting with the Austrian and Maltese SICs.

The latest study conducted by the Save the Children organisation sheds light on the alarming gap between parental awareness and children's online experiences. It revealed that 1 in 10 parents are aware of their child’s negative or unpleasant online experience; the findings underscore the pressing need for improved parental engagement and understanding of internet safety.