Better Internet for Kids

In 2020, the SIC+ programme made its official debut, broadening the European network of Safer Internet Centres with countries from across the globe. This article outlines the nature and activities of the SIC+ programme that aims, through cooperation by its members, to make the internet a safer and better space for everyone.

"Strong passwords and chicken soup never hurt anyone" is just one of the slogans of the new campaign by the Portuguese Safer Internet Centre, coordinated by the National Cyber Security Centre (CNCS), and the Portuguese Order of Psychologists to raise awareness about online safety and cybersecurity among older internet users.

Today, the European Commission has adopted a new European strategy for a Better Internet for Kids (BIK+), with the aim to improve age-appropriate digital services and to ensure that every child is protected, empowered and respected online. This new strategy comes ten years after the first BIK strategy, and during the European Year of Youth, spotlighting the voices and ideas of young people themselves.

Every year, the Austrian Safer Internet Centre Saferinternet.at presents the current data on the use of different social media platforms by Austrian youth. Which social networks are currently the most popular among young boys and girls in Austria? The results are collected in the Youth Internet Monitor.

On Saturday, 7 May 2022, a series of activities will take place at various EU institutions to celebrate Europe Day (9 May). Better Internet for Kids (BIK) will participate in the in-person event with a dedicated space at the European Commission where the BIK agenda and initiatives will be showcased, alongside online safety games and interactive activities for children and young people from the Insafe network of Safer Internet Centres (SICs).

Today marks World Press Freedom Day 2022. Every year on 3 May, this day is celebrated to remind governments of the need to respect their commitment to press freedom. The day has been founded by the United Nations (UN).

For a parent or carer, trying to explain a complicated negative situation to their child can be quite challenging. Similarly, young people find it difficult to process information about traumatic events. Here, the Austrian Safer Internet Centre shares some useful tips and resources to help parents and carers discuss events such as wars, catastrophes and other emergency situations with their children and young people in a helpful and child-friendly way.

Today, 28 April 2022 is the International Girls in ICT Day. Every year on the fourth Thursday of April, this global initiative of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) aims at raising awareness of empowering and encouraging girls and young women to consider careers and studies in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT).

The current war in Ukraine is affecting all of us, including children and young people. The shocking and frightening content shared online can trigger many contrasting feelings. How can young people deal with war-related content? The Austrian Safer Internet Centre shares advice.

An increasing number of schools and associations are willing to tackle cyber incidents within their organisation. Until now, no effective solutions were in place. The ‘Cyber Help’ app attempts to address this. This application will facilitate and accelerate the management of a cyber incident.