Better Internet for Kids

Cyberbullying can be seen as a form or extension of bullying, perpetrated via digital media, and is also an aggressive, intentional, and persistent behaviour. It can happen anywhere, at any time, and all the time. While in bullying the aggressor is known, in cyberbullying the aggressor is often anonymous, there is a physical distance, the aggression comes through mobile phones, social networks and messages, which contributes to the complexity of the phenomenon and to the aggravation of the emotional consequences for the victims.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Directorate-General for Education, through the SeguraNet Awareness Centre, produced a board game "Let's Discover the Digital World" aimed at Primary Education that promotes Digital Citizenship.
The game "Let's Discover the Digital World" includes 30 challenge proposals and 156 questions that aim to stimulate students' critical thinking, with the support of the SeguraNet mascots: Pisca and Luzinha.

The book ZigZaga na Net, inspired by the stories of the 1st season of the podcast ZigZaga na Net, was developed in partnership between CIS (CNCS) and SeguraNet (DGE) - Awareness Centres of the Portuguese Safer Internet Centre - and ZigZag Radio.

The Portuguese Safer Internet Centre in partnership with Forum Estudante launched a new eBook - Parents, Children & Technology. The weight of technology in the life and growth of children is the topic that opens space to various opinions and points of view, not leaving aside the role of parents as digital mediators. It is aimed primarily at parents and educators but does not rule out anyone interested in the subject, including the youngsters.

The use of social media has increased sharply in recent years, but such use comes with some risks. The Cyber-Social Citizen MOOC describes the main social media to highlight best practice in their use to improve cybersecurity and help ensure user privacy. The online MOOC was designed based on up-to-date literature, social needs identified in the field, and data from recent research. The course is free of charge and is aimed at citizens over 14 years old.