Better Internet for Kids

During the Media Literacy Week in 2021, the Dutch Media Literacy Network laid out a challenge: if we want social media to be a welcoming place for everyone, we have to start working together now. Because there is a lot at stake. Together, we can encourage a more positive social online behaviour. We promised that the network would continue with this theme in 2022. That is why, earlier this year, the network called on partners to commit to a more social online world, with the Social Online Together challenge. These are the winners for 2022.

The Tallinn University of Technology is a part of the Estonian Safer Internet Centre (SIC) consortium and regularly carries out cybersecurity competitions for students.

The successful Dutch Media Literacy Week 2022 – Like and Cancel (4 to 11 November 2022) is now behind us. This year, the campaign to raise awareness for media literacy was geared towards promoting pro-social behaviour online. By standing up for another when witnessing offensive behaviour online, you’re making clear that it is unacceptable. If we work together, we can change the social norms enabling this kind of hurtful behaviour.

Safer Internet Day is a global initiative emphasising the positive aspects of the internet and the need for online safety. The Directorate for Digital Literacy and Transversal Skills in Malta encourages educators, parents, and students to contribute to a safer online environment by organising activities throughout the month. The Maltese Safer Internet Centre outlines specific initiatives, including a debate on disinformation and an ongoing online course.

Mannerheim League for Child Welfare (MLL) offers support for parents about media-related problems with their children through parents’ support services. MLL also runs a helpline for children - Child and Youth Phone and Chat. MLL’s helpline expert Anna Weckström writes about the concerns that parents have regarding digital media and children. MLL’s helplines are a part of the Finnish Safer Internet Centre.

The Chancery of the President of Latvia, in cooperation with the Latvian Safer Internet Centre (SIC) and the global development and education organisation "IREX" within the Global Media and Information Literacy Week 2022 organised the discussion "The image of my Latvia. How to distinguish true information from disinformation?" at the Latvian Presidential Palace.

At the end of November, the BIK Youth Ambassadors, Joao and Kathrin, set off for Addis Ababa. After many years, the global and annual Internet Governance Forum took place again on the African continent, hosted by the Government of Ethiopia with support from the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA).

Smartwatches are worn on the wrist like a digital watch. This makes them one of the so-called wearable devices: these are electronic devices that are worn on the body. 28 per cent of young people in Germany now own such wearables, according to a recent survey. The German Safer Internet Centre shares tips for parents.

The Latvian Safer Internet Centre, together with Latvian major internet service provider TET and other partners, have launched the social initiative "When you use the internet, remember safety!", which will help the youngest digital users (4 to 7 years old) to learn about safe and responsible internet use, and involving parents and educators in the learning process.

The 2022 edition of the Media ‘Ukkie’ Days campaign took place from 25 March - 1 April 2022. Over the course of the campaign, countless parents were helped with tips, tools and advice. The new ‘Iene Miene Media’ study was also presented, full of insights into how parents experience the media education of their little ones.