Better Internet for Kids

Internet traffic School (Netumferðarskólinn) is a part of the government's action plan for cybersecurity and was initially funded by the Ministry of Higher Education, Industry and Innovation. Around 9,000 children aged 6-13 years, 2,000 parents and 800 teachers in 80 different schools all around the country have participated in the Internet Traffic School for the past 1.5 years. 

The Austrian Safer Internet Center inquires each year: Which social networks do young people in Austria use? Which platforms are trending, which get less important? Are there differences between girls and boys? The survey was conducted in October 2024. 405 young people between 11 and 17 years old were asked. The results were published with the Youth Internet Monitor (www.jugendinternetmonitor.at) in January 2025 and are representative of the younger generation of Austria.

The Portuguese Safer Internet Centre has adapted the virtual game “Fake it to make it” into Portuguese. The game is targeted at teenagers and focuses on the topic of fake news and disinformation.

This is a simulation game with a social impact, in which players take on the role of someone who profits from the creation and distribution of fake news. Through this experience, players learn how disinformation is created, spread and emotionally targeted, preparing them to be more sceptical of information they may encounter in the future.

Are you familiar with the Digital Services Act (DSA)?

The DSA was created by the European Union (EU) to ensure that:  

• digital technologies and online platforms respect everyone's rights; 
• we can trust the digital services we use; 
• we are safe and protected, regardless of the type of digital service we use, with special attention to minors;

The PT SIC team developed a social media campaign to promote the DSA. Enclosed is the Facebook campaign.

This flyer creates awareness among parents and caretakers of children between 8 and 14 years old. 

On the side of social media, tips are shared on the consequences of social media, AI, fake news and sharing of an unrealistic image.
On the side of gaming, tips are shared on the behavior during gaming, knowing who the children are gaming with, online purchases and how to look for help. 

This flyer has been distributed online and offline in local police offices. 

Offensive and degrading comments. What to do? Dovilė’s number one piece of advice is to try to create an environment that is comfortable, pleasant, friendly, and empathetic towards you.
The second thing is to take control of yourself and say aloud to yourself – that those comments, which hurt or offend in one way or another, are simply bullying. Those people who insult others, completely undeserving people, are pouring out their inner pain in this way.

Dovilė is interviewed by members of the Children’s Line Advisory Team, Rusnė and Goda.

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.

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

This video, created for Maltese students, is presented in Maltese with English subtitles, ensuring it reaches a broad audience. Using a peer-to-peer format, the video captures authentic and relatable perspectives, allowing students to hear directly from their peers about their social media habits and motivations. This approach makes the content engaging while encouraging self-reflection and critical thinking.

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. 

Undoubtedly, the internet has now become an integral part of the daily lives of children and adolescents, and as parents, we must remain vigilant, listening to and understanding our children's activities and interactions online. While the internet offers numerous benefits, it also poses significant risks to underage users, such as exposure to inappropriate or harmful content and cyberbullying.