Better Internet for Kids

CyberSquad forum is a peer-to-peer online platform, for teenagers (13-16 yo) to exchange tips, experience, doubts and give each other support in case of a problem or need. When in trouble, young people prefer to seek help from their peers rather than turning to an adult figure, and only at a later stage they would contact a support organization. As a response to teenagers’ needs, Child Focus and young people co-developed a safe online space where to exchange with peers, share experiences and seek help.

CyberSquad forum is a peer-to-peer online platform, for teenagers (13-16 yo) to exchange tips, experience, doubts and give each other support in case of a problem or need. When in trouble, young people prefer to seek help from their peers rather than turning to an adult figure, and only at a later stage they would contact a support organization. As a response to teenagers’ needs, Child Focus and young people co-developed a safe online space where to exchange with peers, share experiences and seek help.

The latest studies in Flanders and Brussels on victims of teenage pimping are clear: professionals with in-depth knowledge and skills about the teenage pimping phenomenon are needed.

The latest studies in Flanders and Brussels on victims of teenage pimping are clear: professionals with in-depth knowledge and skills about the teenage pimping phenomenon are needed.

In today’s digital age, children use a variety of screens and devices at home, in schools and on the move. Within this context, parents need support in understanding how to
care for their well-being. To address this issue, the European Safe Online Initiative, first established in Belgium, expanded to engage with thousands of parents and other carers across five different countries, helping them to develop media literacy skills. With a focus on the role of parents, the book discusses a wide range of subjects related to children's online media

To support stakeholders willing to reach out to parents and raise awareness among this audience on e-safety issues children may face online, Child Focus and partners of the ESOI project have developed the ESOI prototype: a step-by-step guide to design a SafeOnline initiative in different national contexts.

The "Home Screen Rules" campaign promotes the balanced use of screen devices so that they do not pose a threat to family relationships, children's development and the health of household members. So that when used consciously and in moderation, they are a positive addition to family life, not its focal point.

The brochure suggests how to establish and implement such rules to counteract the negative effects of excessive use of screens.

"Dopamine" is an educational film for young people devoted to the conscious and safe use of social media. The film touches on important topics such as the mechanism of the dopamine loop, profiling and toxic online relationships, while avoiding a one-sided narrative about the harmfulness of new technologies. In the narrative layer of the film we hear: "This is not a film about the Internet being bad. It's about us controlling the technology, not the technology controlling us.”

"Dopamine" lesson plan that aims to support young people in the conscious use of social media and understanding the impact of these platforms on their lives, mental health and relationships.

The proposed classes are addressed to people aged 13-16 and concern topics such as safe and risky online relationships, excessive use of social media, needs related to the use of social media, balance between online and offline activities.

Duration: 45 minutes.

The topic of the podcast is how young children use devices. Maciej Kępka talked to Dr. Magdalena Rowicka, who is a psychologist, an employee of the Institute of Psychology at the Academy of Special Education, and her research focuses on topics related to the use of Internet technology, computer games and digital devices in general, including: research "Toddler on the Internet", which you will hear about in this episode.