The positive online content criteria checklist was originally created as part of the POSCON Positive Online Content and Services for Children in Europe thematic network's work. It has since been reviewed and updated several times to keep pace with latest developments.
The aim is that content providers use this checklist when developing new content and services to ensure that their products are fit for purpose, and take measures to ensure that children can go online free from risk of harm, whether this be in terms of content, contact, conduct, or commercial considerations.
Parents, caregivers, teachers and educators can also benefit from the checklist by being better aware of the features they should look out for when choosing online experiences for younger children.
Browse the checklist below (in English), or download various language versions on the right.
Values and impact
From the outset, your intended content must follow certain values and envision a positive impact on children:
- Empowering – enables the child to feel confident and as independent as possible in their developing abilities within a safe digital environment.
- Engaging – causes the child to be motivated and inspired.
- Stimulating – encourages the child to feel curious and learn more.
- Safe – provides the child with the space to explore the digital experience at minimum risk.
Basics
- Clear target age range.
- Defined objectives.
- Envisioned benefits to the child.
Clear and transparent objectives
- Design and interface fit the target age group.
- Child development abilities and interests for each target age at the centre of decisions.
- Socio-cultural factors of its context have been considered.
Stimulating digital experiences
- Creative, interactive, stimulating, innovative, entertaining and/or educational elements and features.
- Appealing visuals, sounds and videos.
- Appropriately challenging tasks and features with suitable feedback and rewards when applicable.
Usability, accessibility and inclusiveness
- Available for mobile devices, different browsers, and operating systems.
- User-friendly navigation, adapted to the target group.
- Clearly marked navigation elements to help orientation.
- Unequivocal URL address/name.
- Ensures accessibility, for example, through assistive technologies, alternative
texts/attributes, voiceovers etc.
Reliability
- Compliant with legislation or regulations, e.g. GDPR, protection of minors, data protection, commercial communication, copyright etc.
- Accurate, reliable and maintained/reviewed regularly.
- Information about the provider/creator and/or contact possibility.
- Helpful information for parents and caretakers.
Safety and privacy are a priority
- Content is not harmful to minors in any way.
- Effective monitoring and moderation or help/alarm features in case something goes wrong.
- Does not collect more data than is needed.
- Clear instructions about authorisations, privacy measures and policies.
- Children have to actively confirm parental consent before they share personal data.
Communication and interaction features
- You can find instructions, rules and security information on how children can safely use these features.
- Reporting mechanisms and support are available.
Commercial elements
- Laws and regulations regarding advertising to children are respected.
- Commercial elements/online shopping are clearly recognisable.
- There is no inappropriate advertising (alcohol, cigarettes, diet pills, etc.).
- Children are not pressured to spend money, and payment methods require parental control.
Checklist in your language
You may download the checklist of Positive Online Content criteria in various European languages by using the links below.