Better Internet for Kids

The Better Internet for Kids review of the year 2023 is released on the occasion of Safer Internet Day 2024, Tuesday, 6 February. During 2023, young people continued to show their commitment to building a safe, secure and inclusive online experience and their eagerness to make their voices heard when it comes to designing the internet of the future. This report provides an overview of a multitude of stakeholder efforts to both protect and empower children and young people in their digital lives over the past year when BIK has focused on making sure that young people are equipped with the skills they need to thrive in the digital world.  

Facts and opinions can easily get mixed up online. Media content shapes people's perceptions and influences their actions. Our interpretation and reaction to a certain piece of content is influenced by how it is structured as a fact or someone's opinion. Keep reading for some pro tips on how to identify trustworthy information, specifically when it comes to text-based content such as articles or blog entries.

At best, digital gaming can enhance the well-being of a child or a teenager. For many, gaming is an important hobby, a fun thing to do with friends and an opportunity for self-expression and development. Games can be a way to relieve stress or a way to take a break. Some young people even dream of a future working in the gaming industry.

As part of the digital transition plan in Portugal, schools must promote innovation by integrating digital technologies into various curricular areas in primary and secondary education, with the aim of continuously improving the quality of learning. In this context, parents and guardians should be able to monitor their children's school life, especially regarding the safe use of digital technologies and the internet.

The CIS Digital Camp, organised by the Portuguese Safer Internet Centre and its partners, took place from 24 to 28 July 2023 in the city of Portalegre. For five days, 46 secondary school and vocational school students were able to learn how to use the internet safely.

Safer Internet Day (SID) is just around the corner, scheduled for Tuesday, February 6, 2024. On this day, millions of people around the world will unite under the theme "Together for a Better Internet" for the 21st edition of this significant event. We invite you to join the movement and help us ensure that the internet is a place of opportunities for children and young people where they can create, engage, and share positively and freely.

The Maltese online abuse helpline has received about 20 reports with ages as young as 11 years old. The Safer Internet Centre seeks to promote online safety and offers support to victims of online abuse.

The 2023 edition of the Media 'Ukkie' (or 'Toddler') Days campaign took place from 24 to 31 March. Throughout the campaign, countless parents were assisted with tips, tools, and advice. The new 'Iene Miene Media' study was also presented, full of insights into how parents experience media education for their little ones. In this article, the Dutch Safer Internet Centre looks back on a successful campaign with a selection of highlights.

Portugal was once again represented at the Safer Internet Forum (SIF) 2023. In this edition, under the theme "Empowering YOUth with skills for the Digital Decade," four young Portuguese individuals aged between 15 and 19 participated. Two joined the BIK Youth Panel; one was a member of the Youth Advisory Group (SIF YAG), and another attended as a delegate. Playing an active role not only in the preparation but also during the Forum itself, they all provided very positive feedback on their experience.

This year, 7 February marked Safer Internet Day worldwide—a day celebrated in more than 150 countries to promote the safe and responsible use of the internet. In Malta, a campaign was developed around the topic of sexting.