Better Internet for Kids

Cybercrime includes various practices such as the theft of personal data, the installation of viruses and malware, the creation of fake profiles on the Internet (for example on social networks or to commit fraud), online fraud or cyberbullying. One of the main difficulties in combating cybercrime is its cross-border nature. In many situations, it is very difficult to identify the origin of the crime and its perpetrators.

Online games can have many benefits, but it is important to recognise that they come with some risks and that children and young people need to be aware of these risks in order to protect themselves. Playing games gives children and young people a sense of escape from the real world, and in some games they feel part of a community, which reinforces the social nature of online games.

Hate speech is based on hatred and includes "all forms of expression which propagate, incite, promote or justify racial hatred, xenophobia, homophobia, anti-Semitism and other forms of hatred based on intolerance" (Council of Europe). Hate speech constitutes a violation of Human Rights. Hate speech can have an online and an offline dimension, and in both cases, it can have serious consequences for the lives of people who are victims of this type of action.

Since adolescence is a period of validation and personality formation where sharing and belonging to a group are so important, using technological devices and social networking is something natural for teenagers. Through the Internet, communication can be easier, there is greater acceptance in the group, and it is possible to create a larger network of contacts. We often see social media as a virtual extension of teens' lives, and it is difficult for them to understand concepts like privacy or sharing personal information.

Latvian SIC has created Internet Safety Advent Calendar with practical tips to remind children about the basics of online safety, how to protect themselves from dangers on the internet and find balance between their online and virtual activities.

Parents and educators were encouraged to remind children about internet safety, privacy and healthy balance between virtual and real-life activities and responsibilities, and meaningful use of the internet. Parents and teachers on the first day of Advent were invited to use printed version of Calendar in several ways:

Children often are spontaneous and emotional when it comes to expressing themselves online therefore usually they post and share on their social media accounts very private photos, videos and information not only of their private life but also life of other people. The random snap, pic or comment within seconds tagging each other can later make them wonder “I hope my friend/classmate doesn’t mind being tagged in my post/story and I’m not putting his/her privacy at risk?”

While the platforms that enable audio and video communication are nothing new, they have taken on another dimension in 2020 with the pandemic situation experienced around the world. They were the schools' tool to continue teaching and the communication tool per excellence between teachers and students, teachers and parents. Digital learning platforms can be a complement to traditional education, as it allows a better time management, shorter and less digressive classes, and the possibility of a different interaction.

Financed by the Ministry of Culture, with the CNIL (National Data Advisory Council), the Conseil National du Numérique (CNN), invited teachers, our ISC ambassadors and the media for teenagers, Geek Junior.

A set of three educational online training courses on online bullying for teachers and educators produced with the support of AXA Prevention, developed via Storyline application, a user-friendly responsive tool. In each course, the professionals and teacher can find key elements and definitions to better understand the online bullying process, video materials, key advice and legal framework.

These two e-learning courses are available for free. They have been produced with Storyline app for fast and adaptive learning. In each training program, the participants can find videos, the main elements to understand how information is mn ade, the mechanisms at work in cognitive biases, recommendations to decipher images and contents, reminders of the legal framework.
For teachers and educational mediators.
Duration of each course: 30min