Better Internet for Kids

Even if games appear to be free at first glance, they can quickly become expensive - because providers earn money primarily through so-called in-app purchases. The Austrian Safer Internet Centre (SIC) explains what parents and children should know about this.

Algorithms are a significant part of young people’s lives and deeply rooted in their daily routines. In this context, the Danish Media Council for Children and Young People and the Centre for Digital Youth Care have developed educational materials that reflect young people’s perspectives and provide information on the importance of understanding the underlying mechanisms behind personal recommendation algorithms. Students engaged with a spectrum of knowledge, dilemmas, and opinions while discussing in the classroom. The material results from extensive involvement from young participants, with 250 eighth-grade students participating in workshops to contribute to its development.

The digital age presents numerous challenges regarding the security and privacy of children and young people online, thus creating a greater need for expert assistance. Good news comes from Zagreb, Croatia, where today the Croatian Safer Internet Centre has opened the first counselling centre with the support of the partner A1 Croatia.

On 12 April 2024, the European Youth Week kick-off event was held at the European Parliament in Brussels. Better Internet for Kids co-hosted, together with DG CNECT and the Publications Office of the EU, a session called "Check your facts! The power of digital skills, critical thinking and open data". BIK Youth Ambassador Joana, from Portugal, was the chair during the session, and shared her views from the experience with us.

In Finland, the annual Media Literacy Week (MLW), organised by the Finnish Safer Internet Centre, coincides with Safer Internet Day (SID) in February. This article delves into the recent activities and feedback from two rounds of this event coordinated by the National Audiovisual Institute. Media Literacy Week, well known in Finland, aims to enhance media literacy among diverse groups, including children, youth, and adults, while supporting educators and guardians in their media education roles.

On 12 April 2024, the European Youth Week kick-off event was held at the European Parliament in Brussels. Better Internet for Kids co-hosted, together with DG CNECT and the Publications Office of the EU, a session called "Check your facts! The power of digital skills, critical thinking and open data". BIK Youth Ambassador Diya, from Finland, was a panelist during the session, and shared her views from the experience with us.

The Portuguese Safer Internet Centre is promoting the "Safe and Healthy Online Practices" awareness campaign to alert children and young people to the safe and healthy use of mobile devices, particularly laptops distributed by the Digital school program. These devices are valuable tools for learning, but it is essential to adopt practices that promote healthy and productive use.

Today, 25 April 2024, is International Girls in ICT Day. This global initiative aims to empower girls and young women in the field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). It stems from a vision to bridge the gender gap in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) field and encourages more girls and young women to pursue careers in technology.

A new study, commissioned under the BIK+ strategy, explores age assurance, including age verification tools, in today's digital landscape. It aims to provide insights into available options for age assurance and outlines essential criteria for effective age verification across different services.

Today, the Insafe and INHOPE networks are meeting in Warsaw, Poland, to explore areas of common ground and opportunities for closer working between helplines, hotlines, and awareness centres in a two-day training meeting. It is also an opportunity to discuss a range of online safety issues, including deep nudes, sextortion, gender-based violence and adult content, and consider the challenges that are likely to face Safer Internet Centres in the future.