Better Internet for Kids

Safer Internet Day 2026 in Portugal gives emphasis on youth participation, multi-stakeholder cooperation, and community-based outreach. The overarching objective is to promote safer, more inclusive, and rights-based digital environments, with focus on preventing cyberbullying, empowering young people, and strengthening protective networks around children and adolescents.

SID 2026 Seminar – Human Rights ON, Cyberbullying OFF takes place in Lisbon, on February 10, 2026, and brings together policymakers and institutional representatives, educators, youth representatives, researchers and civil society organisations. The main objectives of the Seminar are to discuss cyberbullying within the human rights framework, to promote shared responsibility between education, families, and public institutions around digital safety and wellbeing, and to give young people an active role in the public debate.

Youth Manifesto on Cyberbullying. During the CIS Digital Camp, promoted by CIS/CNCS, young participants collaborated on a Youth Manifesto on Cyberbullying focused on respect and digital human rights. The initiative encouraged civic engagement and democratic participation online, resulting in a collective set of commitments and policy recommendations. At the SID Seminar, the young co‑authors will present the Manifesto on stage and share their perspectives on the topic.

The SID 2026 social media campaign will run across digital platforms and institutional websites to amplify messages on children’s digital human rights, empathy, respect online, and cyberbullying prevention. Its goals are to broaden SID’s impact beyond in‑person events, engage the public in a positive and constructive narrative, and increase visibility of support services and reporting mechanisms.

Continuing activities beyond SID

• Throughout February, the CIS Roadshow “Human Rights ON, Cyberbullying OFF” will visit schools across Alentejo and Algarve, engaging students aged 13 to 18 through age‑appropriate sessions using PT SIC educational resources. The initiative aims to reach young people directly, promoting empathy as a key tool to prevent online violence, with particular attention to vulnerable groups.
• Launch of the 2nd edition of the book “ZigZaga na Net. Novas Aventuras” on a school with the author present to sign copies and write personalized dedications.
• Online training session for parents and educators about “Human Rights ON, Cyberbullying OFF”, raising awareness on how to identify signs that result from exposure to violent interactions on the Internet.
• Theatre play “Lifes on scroll”, a contemporary comedy designed to engage young audiences in a dynamic reflection on digital identity, online safety, and responsible Internet use. The play blends live performance with recorded video to explore themes such as cyberbullying, sexting, fake news, online fraud, social isolation, and the pursuit of digital validation.
• The launch of “Adventure of Cybersecurity” introduces a game that promotes digital literacy and strengthens intergenerational communication by encouraging grandparents and grandchildren to work together on online safety challenges, particularly digital fraud. The initiative uses collaborative problem‑solving and guided decision‑making to raise awareness of cyber‑hygiene in an engaging, educational way.

The SID 2026 is possible thanks to the partnership of OCC, MEO Foundation, ccTIC Educom, .PT, RTP, CONFAP, Google, Forum Estudante, Municipality of Barreiro and Alvalade Parish Council.

In line with the Safer Internet Day (SID) slogan “Together for a better internet,” we are dedicated to fostering digital citizenship through education, collaboration, and community engagement. By promoting media and digital literacy, we aim to equip young people with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly. Together with key stakeholders, we develop resources, deliver workshops, and implement initiatives that raise awareness of online risks while also highlighting the many positive opportunities the internet offers.

Guided by the Council of Europe’s Digital Citizenship Education framework, we work to strengthen critical thinking, encourage respectful online communication, and promote ethical behaviour in digital spaces. Our efforts include school-based educational programmes, youth panels, and online campaigns, all designed to give users the skills they need to make informed decisions and contribute positively to digital communities.

By fostering a culture of cybersecurity, digital inclusion, and awareness, we strive to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, can benefit from a safe, secure, and empowering online experience. “Together for a better internet” is more than a slogan, it is a shared responsibility. We embrace this responsibility by working closely with governments, educators, youth organisations, and other partners to build a safer, more espectful digital environment for all.