Better Internet for Kids

Social networks are an important part of children's and young people's lives - but many parents and adult caregivers feel overwhelmed when it comes to deciding at what age their child can use social networks, what the risks are or what settings are available. This is where the 'What is...' series comes in: each guide explains how each platform works and gives tips on how to use it safely. Guides are available for Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, WhatsApp and Roblox, as well as the Google Family Link parental control app.

This guide is for anyone involved in developing child protection policies. It aims to ensure that as few of the digital aspects that are so important in the lives of children and young people as possible are overlooked. The guide focuses on six key issues: content development and media work, social media activities, online communication with children and young people, media use and media education, media literacy and data protection.

Research shows that children and young people that spend a lot of time on social media are more often dissatisfied with their bodies than others. Comparisons and exposure to unrealistic body ideals is one part of it, and algorithms and “rabbit holes” is another. In this podcast episode of the Swedish podcast “Ätstörningspodden” (The eating disorder podcast) these issues, and how adults can help children navigate in this, are examined with an analyst from The Swedish Agency for the Media.

Why do children and young people follow influencers online and how can this affect them? Influencers have become an important part of children’s lives and in this podcast episode a researcher from The Swedish Agency for the Media shares new knowledge from an interview study with children and young people regarding influencers. The important role for parents to guide their children around influencers, and how this can be done, is also covered in this episode. The podcast series is called “Our children and the internet” and is produced by the Swedish Internet Foundation. 

We are thrilled to present the winning entry of the Safer Internet Day 2023 song writing competition – "Stay Safe Online" by our talented students from Year 5.1 at Gozo College Dun Salve Vella Nadur Primary!

"Stay Safe Online" is more than a song; it's an anthem for Safer Internet Day 2024, created and sung by the brilliant minds of Lucas Azzopardi, Raquel Caruana, Mabel Emme Cauchi, Eliza Hili, Ganni Theuma, and Gabriella Vella. 

This is an educational resource created for kindergarten and early primary school teachers to introduce the concept of online safety and digital responsibility to children aged 4–7. It uses a short, engaging story alongside age-appropriate discussion prompts to help young students understand how their online actions can affect their reputation, privacy, and safety. 

The Digital footprint lesson plan for primary school teachers is specifically tailored to guide discussions on the importance of digital responsibility with children aged 8–10. This resource is designed to help students grasp how their online actions can influence their privacy, reputation, and overall safety. The lesson plan incorporates engaging materials, including storytelling and discussion prompts, to foster critical thinking about sharing information online. 

The Digital footprint lesson plan for Years 7-11 is designed for educators to address online safety and the impact of digital actions with students. This resource is tailored for a classroom setting and focuses on teaching the importance of managing one’s digital presence thoughtfully. 

This presentation is a digital resource created for teachers of older teenagers that provides an interactive and educational approach to understanding digital footprints. It includes information, activities, and examples aimed at helping teens recognize the impact of their online actions on privacy and reputation. The resource emphasises making responsible decisions while navigating the digital world.  

This is a video vox pop questionnaire featuring Maltese students answering the question: How many social media platforms do you use daily?

Created specifically for Maltese students, the video is in Maltese with English subtitles, ensuring accessibility for a wider audience. Using a peer-to-peer format, it captures authentic, relatable perspectives from students, making the content engaging and thought-provoking. This format encourages viewers to connect with the experiences of their peers and reflect on their own social media habits.