Better Internet for Kids

The national strategy for safe digital upbringing, ""Rett på nett"", was been drawn up by the Norwegian Media Authority on behalf of the Ministry of Children and Families, and was presented by the government in the autumn of 2021. As a follow-up to the strategy, the Norwegian Media Authority is leading the work on creating an action plan for better coordination of public efforts in the area.
(Source: Ministry of Children and Families).

Entities responsible for implementation: Norwegian Media Authority, Ministry of Children and Families.

The Norwegian Directorate of Health and Directorate for Children, Youth and Family Affairs have worked over many years to better understand the needs of young people and figure out the best ways to promote better health. Young people need more digitalized access to both health promoting information and healthcare services. Online services lower the threshold for contacting healthcare providers, allowing young people to get to know the services on their own terms and at their own pace, and to benefit from a reassuring initial sense of anonymity.

The purpose of the strategy for safe digital upbringing is to develop an overarching, future-oriented and holistic policy in the area. The strategy points to positive aspects and opportunities in children and young people's internet use, but also risks and challenges.
(Source: Ministry of Children and Families).

Article 139h (amended in 2019) of the Dutch Criminal Code addresses the production and possession of sexual/intimate images or material and revenge pornography. It determines the adequate sentence and punishment for a person involved in such crimes.
(Source: Criminal Code).

Entities responsible for implementation: Government of the Netherlands.

The Stichting Reclame Code (SRC) deals with the self-regulation system of advertising in The Netherlands. Self-regulation means that the advertising industry (advertisers, advertising agencies and the media) formulates the rules with which advertising must comply. Both the advertising industry and consumers are represented in the board of SRC  and in the Advertising Code Committee and the Board of Appeal.

The advertising rules can be found in the Dutch Advertising Code.
(Source: www.reclamecode.nl).

Commissioned by the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, together with Waag technology & society, the Centre for Law and Digital Technologies (eLaw) of Leiden University has produced the code after consulting with children, designers, tech developers and other experts.  The Code for Children's Rights enshrines ten principles to guide developers and designers when developing digital services for children. The code builds on laws and regulations to ensure that the design process prioritises the best interests of the child, transparency and privacy.

In the Netherlands, a Youth Council on digitalisation was established in September 2023, together with UNICEF. Children aged 11 to 17 advise the Minister for Digitalisation on relevant topics they encounter in their daily lives. The outcomes are fed into national policy on protecting children in the digital world. This initiative focuses on youth participation by safeguarding children's rights in the digital environment. Children aged 10 to 16 are trained to discuss digital matters that influence their lives, such as cyberbullying, online safety, and positive online content.

The project Empowering Children’s Participation in Malta enables child participation and youth collaboration in policy-making. It aims to improve the quality of life for children in Malta, giving voice to their needs and perspectives. The project includes a platform and an app to facilitate participation and provide professional support to vulnerable children requiring assistance.
(Source: empoweringchildren.gov.mt/).

The Creative Competition, a thematic initiative led by the Office of the Commissioner for Children, accepts submissions from children aged 5-16 on children’s rights. Children can participate by sending short stories, poetry, and visual art (drawing, photo, painting).
(Source: Office of the Commissioner for Children).

Entities responsible for implementation: Office of the Commissioner for Children.

The Malta Diġitali Strategy sets out the national strategy for 2022-2027 and highlights how Malta intends to maintain its momentum as a leader in digital transformation while remaining mindful of social and economic opportunities and challenges that arise. It sets out how Government shall act not only in its traditional role as policy maker, promoter and regulator, but also as a catalyst for change through digitalisation alongside other social and economic actors. 
(Source: Malta Diġitali).