Better Internet for Kids

Sofia Rasgado (Portuguese Safer Internet Centre) and Fernanda Bonacho (ESCS – School of Communication and Media Studies) presented the Portuguese multistakeholder approach for media literacy at the Media Literacy Matters conference held in Brussels on 29 February 2024.

GILM (the Informal Group on Media Literacy) was represented at the “Media Literacy Matters Conference” in Brussels, by Sofia Rasgado (SIC - Safer Internet Centre) and Fernanda Bonacho (ESCS - School of Communication and Media Studies) who presented the Portuguese Multistakeholder approach for Media Literacy, with a particular focus on the next steps that this informal group on media literacy is ready to take.

The Youth Panel was a dynamic and engaging discussion platform during the Safer Internet Day (SID) event in Viseu, Portugal. It brought together young people and encouraged them to explore their concerns and perspectives regarding artificial intelligence (AI). Young person João Brás shares his reflections on the day.

The Greek Safer Internet Centre SaferInternet4Kids of FORTH conducted a survey on teenagers (12-18) between November and March 2024 on the subject of online violence. The study revealed that over half of the teenagers have been exposed to online violence either as bystanders or as victims.

As part of the Better Internet for Kids (BIK) Quality Assurance Programme (QAP), the Insafe-INHOPE coordination teams are jointly conducting a series of 15 country visits to the national Safer Internet Centres (SICs) to better understand what is happening in the member states. The teams will monitor emerging issues and challenges, identify good practices that can be shared, and harvest the results of the Better Internet for Kids (BIK) policy. On 28 February 2024, an online national visit took place with the Cypriot centre.

Today, 4 June 2024, the world observes the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1982, this day honours the innocent children who have suffered as victims of aggression while also reaffirming the global commitment to promoting their rights and well-being.

In the ever-expanding digital landscape, staying informed and discerning between fact and fiction online is paramount, particularly for children, parents, and education professionals. the Romanian Safer Internet Centre newsletters address various online phenomena, providing clarity and recognition of these issues when encountered. They also produced a podcast series hosted by Ora de Net program ambassadors, exploring critical thinking, and navigating fake news in the digital age.

On 17 and 18 April 2024, Insafe and INHOPE held a joint training meeting that brought together experts from both networks. The Portuguese Safer Internet Centre (SIC) hosted a session presenting the “ZigZaga na Net” initiative.

While the impulse to share children's precious moments with loved ones is understandable, parents must understand the implications on their child's privacy and security.

Today 21, May 2024, marks the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development. This day, proclaimed by the United Nations, highlights the importance of cultural diversity and the essential role it plays in fostering dialogue, understanding, and sustainable development. In an increasingly globalised world, protecting and promoting cultural diversity is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic necessity for ensuring peace and prosperity for all.