Better Internet for Kids

This info sheet gives an overview of the most important functions of the messenger service WhatsApp, relevant explanations of terms around messenger services and possible alternatives, which can be used to send text messages, photos, videos, documents and audio files from smartphone to smartphone and also make phone calls.

Already in its 3rd edition, the flyer "online hate" provides information on the legal background of punishable postings. This new edition takes into account the "Hate on the Net" legislative package that came into force in 2021. The Internet is a space where users can freely express their opinions. Regardless of this fundamental freedom of expression, however, there are also clear limits here; those of respectful interaction in the context of interpersonal communication on the Internet (netiquette) on the one hand, and those set by the legal framework on the other.

This article looks at some of the reasons why the internet is an important space for LGBT+ young people to explore their identity, feel part of a community, get help and guidance, change the world for the better, and to be represented and find positive role models. It also provides advice to parents and carers about how they can help LGBT+ young people stay safe online.

The handbook "Digitization and Climate" takes a closer look at the topic of environmental awareness in the digital world. It questions what the climate has to do with digital media and young people. The aim is to provide suggestions for conscious living in the area of tension between digitization and climate. It is important to know the connections between digitalization and climate and to be able to assess the consequences of one's own decisions and actions.

Young people are intensively concerned with their own image management, with how they are perceived by others. Social networks such as YouTube, Facebook and Instagram in particular, but also messengers such as WhatsApp and Snapchat, provide a stage for this. However, the self-portrayal of young people on the Internet is not always only positive. By emulating seemingly unattainable role models, feelings of inferiority and envy can also arise. Cyber bullying is also not atypical in this context.

This blog is a guide for parents and carers. It describes what Twitch is, why it's popular with young people, how it works, and what parents and carers need to know to help keep children safe while using Twitch. It includes advice from young people about what they think parents and carers need to know.

The Austrian awareness center Saferinternet.at inquires each year: Which social networks do young people in Austria use? Which platforms are trending, which get less important? The results are published with the Youth Internet Monitor (www.jugendinternetmonitor.at). The survey was conducted in November/December 2020 – after the second lockdown. Young people went to school and had more options to meet their friends. 400 young people between 11 and 17 years old were asked. The survey is representative of the younger generation of Austria.

We have prepared a leaflet for young people with useful tips on how to look after their health and wellbeing when using mobile phones and computers.
It is very important for young people to find the ideal balance between the advantages and disadvantages of technology. They should also know what to look for when searching for health information online.
At the moment, only the online version of this leaflet is available. The online version is disseminated through the Safe.si website and posted on Facebook and Instagram.

As part of the campaign on the impact of the Internet on mental health and Back -2- school campaign, we together with the helpline TOM telephone prepared a poster that will help young people improve their self-esteem when using the Internet. It is important that young people believe in themselves and trust each other.

This publication gives an overview of the age rating system of the PEGI label, its limitations and also explains how to assess video games in general in terms of child and youth protection.