Better Internet for Kids

Playing video games is the number one leisure activity for children and youth growing up today. The gaming arena can give them many positive experiences and have an impact on their future in various ways. The gaming arena is social and has changed a lot in the last decade. At the same time, the arena has been unsupervised and ignored by the adult world. As a result, there is a very bad culture for toxic behaviour online. Some claim it is just good fun and humour, but things have gone too far and this needs to be addressed.

When Glenn was 15, a nude photo of him was circulated online. Shortly afterwards, he took his own life. But if you call Glenn today, you're signing a petition for better protection for young people online. Call 0493 79 58 30 now, every call counts.

The report Childrens and Young People’s Influencers – A Focus Group Study presents the second and final part of a research project conducted by the Swedish agency for the Media within the framework of Safer Internet Centre Sweden. It is based on focus groups with children and young people, providing insights into their perspectives and experiences with influencers and influencer culture.

Research presents multiple definitions of influencers, with no single, unified description. This report identifies six definitions used in research and investigations. Children and young people follow influencers based on their popularity and content, and they may also act as influencers themselves or be influenced in various ways, including by parents who act as influencers.

Gaming is a globally widespread and growing activity, with significant variations between countries. In nations with younger populations, gaming is highly common, while in Sweden, the prevalence is lower. As in many other countries, gaming is most frequent among younger people.

The study ‘Sexual Harassment Online’ clearly shows that sexual harassment on the internet is a sad part of everyday life for many children and young people in Austria. The infographic shows the key findings of the study, which was conducted in October 2024. 405 young people between the ages of 11 and 17 took part in the online survey. In addition, 70 young people from four school classes aged between 13 and 19 were interviewed in focus groups. Interviews with experts from counselling centres and academia rounded off the study.

Small check-list to know if my child is ready for a smartphone.

The parental guide Is My Child Influenced by Influencers? helps carers understand how children and young people are affected by influencers and what research says about their relationship with social media. This guide is specifically designed for parents and carers and provides a concise summary of current research. It also offers practical advice on what parents should know to support their children in today’s media landscape.

The sexting poster informs young people about what to consider when sending intimate pictures and videos. It clarifies legal aspects, provides contact points for those affected and promotes a responsible approach to the issue through prevention and education.

The internet and social media offer ideal platforms for anti-democratic ideas. Right-wing extremists make targeted use of the internet to reach young users and win them over.