Better Internet for Kids

The awareness centre of the Ukrainian Safer Internet Centre (SIC) is run by Dignity Online, a leading Ukrainian NGO dedicated to protecting children from online threats. The awareness centre delivers nationwide, evidence-based initiatives to promote safe and responsible digital citizenship among children, parents, and professionals across Ukraine. Its methodology bridges the gap between rigorous research, such as comprehensive national studies tracking the digital habits of youth and toddlers, and practical, frontline educational tools. These resources empower schools, families, and key child protection professionals, including psychologists, social workers, and juvenile police officers. The Centre develops training materials, policy briefs and public awareness campaigns, and coordinates outreach to ministries, international organisations and civil society to strengthen Ukraine's digital child protection ecosystem. It also organises Safer Internet Day (SID) activities and supports capacity-building for professionals working directly with children.

Availability:

• Website and online resources: the website, dignityonline.in.ua/adult/, is available 24/7, offering educational materials, guidance for parents and professionals, and information on reporting mechanisms.
• Email: Enquiries can be sent to info@dignityonline.in.ua, with responses typically provided within 2 business days.
• Direct outreach and training requests: Schools, professionals and organisations can request training sessions, presentations or materials by contacting info@dignityonline.in.ua, with sessions scheduled by arrangement.

The helpline of the Ukrainian Safer Internet Centre (SIC) is operated by the Government Contact Centre, a state-run body providing free, confidential support to the public across a wide range of issues, including online safety concerns affecting children.

The helpline provides guidance and support to children, parents, and professionals facing risks related to internet use, including cyberbullying, grooming, exposure to harmful content, and other online threats. Trained operators offer practical advice, emotional support, and referrals to relevant specialists, law enforcement, or support services where needed, in line with the standards of the Insafe network of European helplines.

The helpline works in close cooperation with the awareness centre (Dignity Online) and the hotline (Cyber Police Department) to ensure that callers receive coordinated, appropriate support and that reports of illegal content are directed to the right channel.

Availability:

The helpline operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, ensuring that children, parents, and professionals can access support at any time, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays.

• Phone: 1545 (further select - 3), available 24/7 for free, confidential support.
• Website: ukc.gov.ua, available 24/7, providing information on the helpline's services and how to get in touch.
   

The hotline of the Ukrainian Safer Internet Centre (SIC) is operated by the Cyber Police Department, National Police of Ukraine, the national law enforcement body responsible for combating cybercrime, including the online sexual exploitation and abuse of children.

The hotline allows members of the public to report illegal content online, in particular child sexual abuse material (CSAM), securely and confidentially. Reports are assessed and processed by trained specialists, with confirmed illegal content actioned in cooperation with internet service providers, hosting platforms, and international partners - including the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), whose reporting line the Ukrainian SIC operates as part of this partnership - to ensure removal and, where relevant, follow-up investigation.

The hotline works closely with the awareness centre (Dignity Online) and the helpline (Government Contact Centre) to ensure a coordinated response, directing callers and reporters to the appropriate service.

Availability:

The hotline offers several public-facing methods for reporting online child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA) material:

• Anonymous online reporting portal: report.iwf.org.uk/ua is available 24/7, allowing members of the public to report suspected CSEA content anonymously, without the need to register or provide personal details.
• Direct request to the National Police: Reports and requests can also be submitted directly to the Cyber Police Department via ticket.cyberpolice.gov.ua/ for cases requiring formal follow-up or where the reporter wishes to provide contact details for further engagement.
• Phone (102): The National Police can be reached 24/7 by calling 102, the national emergency line, for urgent reports or immediate assistance.

Both channels are available online at any time; reports are reviewed and processed by trained specialists, with urgent cases prioritised for immediate assessment.

Youth participation in the Ukrainian Safer Internet Centre (SIC) is built around the National Children's eSafety Council, launched in May 2025 and coordinated by Dignity Online. The Council currently includes 10 active members from diverse regions across Ukraine, including displaced children, who co-create campaigns and represent Ukrainian children internationally.

The Council has already co-created a national peer-to-peer lesson on cyberbullying and data protection (launched in schools in October 2025), developed youth-led video campaigns, and contributed recommendations for legislation.

Under the Ukrainian SIC, the Council will expand to 15–20 members and form a Youth Panel that will feed directly into national awareness-raising campaigns, resource design, and advocacy work. Panel members will also represent Ukrainian youth at EU-level fora, including the Safer Internet Forum (SIF) and the BIK Youth Panel, ensuring Ukrainian perspectives inform European policy discussions.

Youth voices further inform the centre's research and policy work, including annual national surveys on children's online experiences, thematic studies on emerging risks, and policy briefs guiding government strategy.

How to get involved:

Children and young people can get involved in the work of the Ukrainian Safer Internet Centre by joining the National Children's eSafety Council, the Centre's youth panel, which is expanding from 10 to 15–20 members under the DIGISAFE-UA project.

Dignity Online runs an open call for new Council members each year, typically launched between June and August, via its social media channels, including Instagram. The call invites children and young people from across Ukraine, including displaced children, to apply and get involved in co-creating awareness campaigns, educational resources, and advocacy work on online safety. Outside of the annual open call, young people, parents, and educators can also reach out directly with questions about the Council or other ways to get involved by emailing info@dignityonline.in.ua.