Better Internet for Kids

20 per cent of teenagers and adolescents spend more than four hours a day on their phones or social media. How much screen time is still “okay,” and when does it become a risk for screen addiction?

When Glenn was 15, a nude photo of him was circulated online. Shortly afterwards, he took his own life. But if you call Glenn today, you're signing a petition for better protection for young people online. Call 0493 79 58 30 now, every call counts.

Child Focus has developed a practical and engaging lesson package designed to introduce young people to CyberSquad, an online platform where they can find help and support for online challenges. This workshop empowers students to explore CyberSquad while fostering empathy, solidarity, and problem-solving skills.

"I was the kind of teenager who would allow myself not to come home, not inform my parents about anything. I smoked and drank, and I was proud of it," says Eglė Kislovski, founder and leader of the program for teenagers, as well as an organizer of youth and adult camps.

Eglė is interviewed by members of the Children’s Line Advisory Team, Ūla and Lukas. The full conversation covers adolescence, the influence of friends and parents, and how to find happiness.

The issue of beauty ideals online and their impact on children and young people is complex. Research shows that exposure to beauty and body ideals on social media can lead to a poorer body image—to varying degrees. Research also shows that children (age 10-18) that spend a lot of time on social media tend to be more unhappy with their bodies and suffer from eating disorders to a greater extent than others in their age. In this short parental guide you can read more about the risks and get seven tips on how to talk to your child and give support. 

Sammanfattning:

I Ecpats rapport om pojkars perspektiv på jämställdhet framkommer oroande attityder när det gäller jämställdhet och makt i samhället. Många pojkar anser att flickor bär ansvaret för sin sexuella utsatthet och de tycker att jämställdhetsarbetet har gått för långt. Dessa åsikter förekommer även bland yngre pojkar.

English summary: 

This teaching package provides information and teaching methods for teachers in special and regular education. The methods are differentiated in terms of difficulty and group composition. Through this package young people learn the difference between sexting and non-consensual sexting, how to set their own boundaries online and how they can interpret and respect the boundaries of others. 

It is available in French and Dutch.

The expert speakers of the 'Young Mind in the Media Flood' -online parenting evening opened up the digital media culture of young people and gave tips on how to strengthen young people's mental well-being and safety skills in digital media environments.

The parents' evening was organised by the National Audiovisual Institute, the Mannerheim Child Protection League and Save the Children as part of the FISIC project and Safer Internet activities. The event was free for anyone to attend.