Better Internet for Kids

On 30 October 2023, the second phase of #LerAntesClicarDepois was presented at the Digital Skills Forum in Porto. A phishing video was shown, the first of 10 short animated videos on various topics. The initiative of the Secretary of State for Digitisation and Administrative Modernisation, Mário Campolargo, and the National Centre for Cybersecurity (CNCS), which coordinates the Safer Internet Centre (CIS), aimed to increase information on the correct use of cyberspace and the Internet among all people and organisations.

At a time when digital media are omnipresent, it is crucial to help children and their parents navigate the media streams. Growing up in the flicker of blue light from digital devices, today's children are not naturally "digital natives"; they need support and skills to navigate the digital environment.

Digital games, played for over 50 years, underwent a significant shift from physical ownership to online libraries with the rise of the internet. This transformation turned games into services, offering additional purchases like character outfits and in-game items. Effective in April, a new code of conduct aims to address financial practices and enhance transparency.

Increasingly often, children and young people share intimate pictures of themselves in WhatsApp class groups. How can parents and schools deal with this?

The recent ‘Respect and Empathy’ exhibition of student artwork was hosted by the renowned Irish artist Maser in his gallery Atelier Now in Dublin, in collaboration with the Irish Safer Internet Centre.

Children’s lives are increasingly taking place online, with children using the internet for their learning, socialising and entertainment. Typically, this happens without adult supervision. Deborah Vassallo from the Maltese Safer Internet Centre discusses this and more.

Every time we go online, we’re giving away information about ourselves. But, just how much data are companies collecting from us and what rights do we have in relation to our personal data?

The first national meeting (and training) of young volunteers, “Navegas em Segurança?” took place 13-15 October 2023 at the Youth Hostel in Almada, Portugal. Three days to exchange experiences, develop digital skills and encourage networking.

In 2023, Child Focus celebrated its 25th anniversary. The organisation has so far handled 85,000 cases, including 43,000 cases of disappearance and 42,000 cases of sexual exploitation. 25 years later, Child Focus is more relevant than ever.

In March 2023, Child Focus, the private sector and elementary schools joined forces to conduct 390 Internet Safe&Fun workshops across Belgium. 130 employees cleared their agenda to teach 7,000 5th and 6th-grade students about sexting, privacy, cyberbullying and online friendships.