Better Internet for Kids

The Safer Internet Day 2026 DSA Inspiration Day brings together key Belgian and European stakeholders to explore how the Digital Services Act can meaningfully strengthen the online experiences of children and young people.  This Day will explore both the regulatory and educational dimensions of the DSA, focusing on how to make its principles visible, actionable, and beneficial for young people online.

In its role as Digital Services Coordinator for Belgium, the Belgian Institute for Postal Services and Telecommunications (BIPT) is pleased to act as a co-organiser of Safer Internet Day 2026. Together with the Betternet partners – Child Focus, Mediawijs, CSEM and Média Animation – the BIPT is also shaping the DSA Inspiration Day.

The DSA under 3 complementary angles: 

1. The legal foundation

A deep dive into the DSA framework, notice-and-action mechanisms, obligations for platforms, child-centred design principles (Art. 28 Guidelines), and enforcement processes. Some key players in properly enforcing the DSA in Belgium will explain how they handle reports/complaints. This first part aims to equip media literacy actors, youth organisations and educators with a solid, accurate understanding of the rights and protections created by the DSA — particularly those that matter most for minors.

2. Awareness, communication and education

Based on youth testimonies and parental perspectives, this second part will highlight how media literacy organisations, Safer Internet Centres, Trusted Flaggers, and youth communities can translate DSA rights into practice through communication, awareness-raising and educational initiatives. The role of media literacy in supporting the practical implementation of the DSA will be discussed. 

3. Making reporting work for young users

Drawing on concrete European examples, this final session explores how to help young people feel informed, empowered, and confident when reporting illegal or harmful content or seeking support.  It will outline what user-friendly and child-friendly reporting mechanisms look like and how actors such as Trusted Flaggers, hotlines and Safer Internet Centres can support young users  - acting as bridges between users, platforms, the DSC and judicial authorities when platforms fail to act.

The DSA Inspiration Day aims to foster shared understanding, cross-sector collaboration, and practical inspiration, enabling Belgian actors to support young people in safely exercising their rights online.

Expected outcomes

• Summary report and synthesis of ideas, conclusions and recommendations.

• DSA Open Letter from young people.

Agenda

Moderators: Michèle Ledger, Cullen International 

Nadège Bastiaenen, Child Focus

08:30 – 09:00 — Welcome and coffee

09:00 – 09:15 — Opening words 

Theme, goals and expectations of the day

Speakers:

• Bernardo Herman, Member of the BIPT Council
• Nel Broothaerts, CEO Child Focus

09:15 – 09:20 — Introduction to the DSA Inspiration Day

PART 1 – The legal foundation
Provide actors in media literacy and youth education with a solid understanding of the DSA framework, notice-and-action mechanisms, child-centered design obligations, the Art. 28 Guidelines, and the enforcement ecosystem.

09:20 – 09:25 — Setting the scene: “DSA Spies” (Video)

Young people testing how online platforms work in practice.

09:30 – 10:30 — Understanding the DSA framework

Speakers:

1. Monika Moens, Legal advisor, Belgian Institute for Postal Services and Telecommunications - DSC Belgium.
2. Martin Harris Hess, Head of Sector for Protection of Minors Online, DG CNECT,  European Commission.
3. Q&A.

10:30 – 10:45 — Coffee break

10:45 – 11:45 — The heart of the DSA: Notice and action mechanisms

Speakers:

1. Catherine Van de Heyning, Deputy Public Prosecutor, Cybercrime Unit Antwerp, Public Prosecutor's Office, Belgium.
2. Flore Bouhey Dwan, Director of Platform Supervision, Coimisún na Meán - DSC Ireland.
3. Q&A.

11:45 – 11:55 — Key takeaways Part 1

12.00 – 13:00 — Lunch break and networking

PART 2 – Awareness, communication and education

Inspire educators, media literacy organisations, youth actors, and civil society to translate DSA rights into awareness-raising initiatives, tools, and communication strategies.

13.00 – 13:10 —  Testimonial from Parent Association - Beatrijs Gelders (COFACE)

13:10 – 14:10 — Understanding youth under the DSA: from awareness to empowerment

Speakers:

1. Tatiana Debrabandere, Betternet, Media literacy expert: Empowering young users to take action and the role of digital literacy (opportunities and limits).
2. Lara Schreurs, Assistant Professor, Media Psychology Lab, KULeuven: Youth perspective on barriers & motivators - Which conditions are needed to make media literacy work?
3. Flash presentation of inspiring tools:
   1. ActiMédia - CSEM - Damien Haenecour.
   2. Pedagogical kit ‘Online influence’ - Mediawijs - Karen Linten.
   3. DSA resource package for schools - Save the Children (SIC Romania) - Bianca Stan.
4. Q&A

14:10 – 14:15 — Key takeaways Part 2 

14:15 – 14:30 — Coffee break

PART 3 – Making reporting work for young users

How to guide young people towards reporting tools available on platforms and offering support when platforms fail to act. The bridge between users, platforms, the DSC, and judicial authorities.

14.30 – 14:40 —  Setting the scene: guiding young people in the reporting journey 

  (Child Focus: Tijana Popovic) 

14:40 – 15:40— Reporting mechanisms under scrutiny

Speakers:

1. Yvette Velzeboer - Offlimits - SIC The Netherlands & Trusted Flagger.
2. Martha Hjorth Beste and Julie Hjort - Red Barnet - SIC Denmark.
3. Q&A.

15:40 – 15:45 — Key takeaways Part 3 

15:45 – 15:55 — Final words: Youth Open Letter (Video)

Young people reflecting on their experiences and ambitions for a safer internet.

15:55 – 16:00  — Closing remarks : The next steps

Event details

Date: 10 February 2026 

Time: 09:00 – 16:00

Venue:  Brussels

Format: hybrid with live translation in Dutch and French (onsite participation by invitation only/online broadcast upon registration).