Better Internet for Kids bulletin

Welcome to the 37th edition of the Better Internet for Kids (BIK) bulletin. This quarterly bulletin aims to keep you informed of safer and better internet issues and opportunities across Europe and beyond. In each edition, we bring you a mix of news, research and resources from many of the key stakeholders in keeping children and young people safe online, be they European Safer Internet Centres (SICs), research organisations, industry partners, policymakers or other experts in the field.

In each edition of the BIK bulletin, we look at a topical issue – for this edition, we're focusing on evidence-based campaigning activities as a method for raising awareness of safer and better internet issues and empowering young people - and those who care for them - to thrive online, and embrace the many benefits offered. We bring you news on the new pilot campaign activities AdWiseOnline and MediaSmartOnline (focusing on youth consumer protection online and media literacy respectively), both of which will be further scaled in future years. We also bring you a round-up of the 2024 Safer Internet Day celebration, which saw people worldwide join "Together for a better internet".

If you have any comments on this resource or would like to contribute to a future edition of the BIK bulletin, please contact us.

One of the key aims in our sphere of work is to raise the awareness of various target groups (children, adolescents, parents, teachers, caregivers, and so on) on online safety, informing them on topical issues, and empowering them to develop their knowledge and competences to prevent or cope with online risks (Digital Strategy, European Commission). This can be done in various ways, including through campaigns and interventions.

In recent years, the calls for making these campaigns and interventions more evidence-based have increased. ‘Evidence-based’ means that practices, interventions, and campaigns are conducted and drafted based on information derived from objective evidence. Equally, evidence-based practice involves combining professional expertise with evidence from the (scientific) literature (Cambridge Dictionary; Jensen & Gerber).

The term ‘evidence-based’ originated in the medical sciences but is increasingly finding its way into other disciplines. Additionally, there have been increasing arguments to rely more on evidence as the basis for implementing educational programmes and practices (Slavin). It's also important to note that there are different layers in evidence-based practice, which range from personal experience (for example, 'gut feeling') to co-creation with the target audience (for example, consulting with children and young people), internal or external research, through to white papers and peer-reviewed academic publications.

A new good practice guide, published as part of the Better Internet for Kids (BIK) project, focuses on how organisations concerned with children’s and young people’s safer internet use can create, pilot-test, and evaluate their online safety interventions and campaigns in an evidence-based manner. The guide - titled Evidence inspiring practice: Creating, pilot-testing, and evaluating evidence-based online safety interventions and awareness-raising campaigns - was developed based on a brief survey, conducted last year, to determine the extent to which Safer Internet Centres, and particularly their awareness centres, already adopt evidence-based practices.

Oftentimes, awareness raisers will have limited resources and time for preparing and pre-testing communication campaigns and conducting impact research. Therefore, this guide offers a practical step-by-step approach so they can create more evidence-based outputs on their own or in collaboration with partners. This guide is created in a modular way to allow readers to pick and choose from a range of practical guidance and insightful resources that match their existing expertise and associated additional information needs. It consists of several sections, starting with a literature review that explores and defines the term ‘evidence-based’ and how it can be implicated in developing campaigns and interventions. In addition, it outlines various models and techniques for developing evidence-based practices. These are then discussed in more depth, followed by the outline of a step-by-step approach based on the Intervention Mapping Protocol (IMP). Finally, a conclusion summarises the key insights.
 
In addition, the guide contains various key terms, which are explained throughout and drawn together in the form of a lexicon annex. To provide more depth to specific sections, ‘info boxes’ can be found throughout the guide which discuss theories, techniques, and concrete examples more extensively.

Although the advice offered is primarily aimed towards Safer Internet Centres in their ongoing awareness-raising actions, it will equally be of interest to any stakeholder who wishes to create awareness-raising campaigns and actions.

Read or download the good practice guide here.

Read on in this edition of the BIK bulletin to learn more about campaign actions which are currently being piloted and evaluated in line with the insights offered in this good practice guide, along with a roundup of the annual, global Safer Internet Day campaign which took place in February. 

A new AdWiseOnline campaign was launched on Safer Internet Day 2024 as part of a range of new initiatives being delivered under the Better Internet for Kids (BIK) programme. Developed in cooperation with European Consumer Centres (ECC-Net) and the network of Safer Internet Centres (SICs), its key aim is to raise children's and young people's awareness of manipulative digital marketing practices and empower them with knowledge about their economic rights.  

The campaign focuses on a range of (potentially problematic) practices, most notably influencer and in-game marketing. These practices are intensified by the increasing trend of leveraging emotions for marketing, incorporating neuromarketing research and emotional analytics. This heightens concerns regarding child and youth consumer protection in the digital environment and underscores the need for awareness and attention to the tactics used by marketers, especially in the face of advancing AI (artificial intelligence). 

To underpin the development of the campaign, academic research on the analysis of marketing practices was conducted by Ghent University. The research specifically delved into persuasive tactics and impactful strategies employed by marketers, children's rights within the realm of digital marketing, and European Union legal frameworks aimed at safeguarding children. The research findings were compiled into a comprehensive public report, Manipulative digital marketing practices targeted children and youth online, which can also serve as a valuable resource for stakeholders and policymakers. 

Current awareness-raising activities, along with the promotion of resources and multimedia assets developed specifically for young people, will continue until the end of April 2024 in the context of piloting activities. Following that, further reflection and campaign development will take place in line with developing policy priorities in this fast-moving space. 

Check the AdWiseOnline campaign page regularly for campaign materials developed to date, and follow the #AdWiseOnline hashtag for the latest news and updates. Look out for updates on this important activity line in future editions of the BIK bulletin, along with a more extensive campaign rollout in 2025 and beyond.

Image credit: Better Internet for Kids/AdWiseOnline campaign

A new MediaSmartOnline campaign aims to raise awareness about all the media literacy actions and initiatives currently available for children and young people and those who are working to upskill them (parents and caregivers, teachers and educators) in and beyond Europe, building synergies and opportunities for collaboration whenever possible. The campaign is currently being piloted in the Czech Republic, Ireland and Poland, with the aim of scaling the campaigning activities EU-wide next year. 

To counteract the fragmentation of the current EU media literacy landscape, Better Internet for Kids (BIK) and the Media & Learning Association (MLA) conducted an extended mapping exercise, between September and December 2023, with the aim of identifying as many as possible media literacy initiatives, resources, tools, key organisations and driving factors from all around Europe and beyond. The Insafe network of Safer Internet Centres (SICs) was also consulted to help map the current EU media literacy landscape and collect suggestions on priorities for an EU-wide media literacy campaign. Explore the results of the mapping exercise of the current EU landscape of media literacy initiatives here. 

In addition, we are currently publishing focus articles on the BIK portal addressing some of the key concerns around media literacy: the first articles on artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual worlds and immersive realities are already available, and others will follow shortly.  

Don’t miss out on the publication of the MediaSmartOnline campaign materials: check the campaign page regularly and follow the #MediaSmartOnline hashtag to see the campaign rollout on social media, and stay tuned to future editions of the BIK bulletin for more on this topic. 

The MediaSmartOnline campaign is being piloted and developed in cooperation with the network of Safer Internet Centres (SICs) within the framework of the Better Internet for Kids (BIK) project, and the Media & Learning Association (MLA).  

Image credit: Better Internet for Kids/MediaSmartOnline campaign

In February 2024, we celebrated the 21st edition of Safer Internet Day (SID), with events and activities taking place right across the globe. With a theme, once again, of “Together for a better internet”, the day called upon all stakeholders to join together to make the internet a safer and better place for all, and especially for children and young people. While a global day of focus took place on Tuesday 6 February, many stakeholders across the globe hosted a week or even month of activities. 

Celebrations to mark the occasion were vibrant and diverse, covering a range of topics of relevance for children and young people when they go online. To give just a few examples, the Austrian Safer Internet Centre organised a conference titled Growing up in the digital world, Safer Internet Day celebrations in Cyprus focused on promoting digital well-being, while in Hungary, a spotlight was placed on phishing, online harassment, and artificial intelligence. Some countries celebrated with a week or even month of activities, including Media Literacy Week in Finland, while France organised a whole series of events across the month, including youth panels and educational workshops in schools, designed to both promote young people's voices and encourage them to engage and take action. Additionally, while young people were the target of many of the campaign's actions, they were also key to the organisation and delivery of many actions too.

Visit the news page on the Safer Internet Day website to read about the many successes from the European network of Safer Internet Centres and beyond which helped to mark the celebrations.

Additionally, Safer Internet Day 2024 was packed with various new resources, initiatives and activities, as follows:

Better Internet for Kids: Review of the year

The Better Internet for Kids (BIK) Annual Report 2023 was also released on Safer Internet Day 2024, highlighting the main achievements and successes of the past year. Under various Better Internet for Kids activity lines, significant efforts were undertaken across the course of the year to highlight and support the learning opportunities available to all in the digital world, and the importance of ensuring that the largest possible number of users – and especially children and young people – are adequately equipped with the skills and competences they need to handle digital technologies responsibly and respectfully.

An accompanying infographic also spotlighted last year's youth activities: for example, young people were once again heavily involved in the planning, preparation and delivery of yet another successfully youth-led Safer Internet Forum (SIF), and made their voices heard in internet governance discussions around the globe.

The Digital Services Act explained: Measures to protect children and young people online

As you may know, the European Commission has developed a Digital Services Act (DSA) package – a series of rules and regulations for online platform providers aimed at creating a safer digital space for all users. To support public awareness of the Act, a user-friendly booklet has been created to summarise the main content of the articles, focusing specifically on the provisions for the protection of children and young people online. On the occasion of Safer Internet Day 2024, it was made available from the website of the Publications Office of the European Union in all EU languages.

Placing a spotlight on virtual worlds

Some of the key developments in recent years revolve around artificial intelligence (AI), with virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and extended reality (XR) applications emerging in all sectors of society, from leisure and learning to business and health. Virtual reality environments are understandably popular with children and young people, and their online experiences are becoming increasingly immersive. As such, on Safer Internet Day, a spotlight was placed on the EU’s virtual worlds strategy. An article on the Better Internet for Kids (BIK) portal reflected on the benefits of virtual reality environments, and the importance of safety by design. It also included a mapping of some useful resources from the European network of Safer Internet Centres.

We'll discuss virtual worlds in more depth in the June 2024 edition of the BIK bulletin.

Save the date for Safer Internet Day 2025

While Safer Internet Day 2024 might be just behind us, we are already looking forward to Safer Internet Day 2025! We invite you to save the date for #SID2025, which will have a global day of focus on Tuesday, 11 February 2025, and with events and activities taking place across Europe and beyond throughout the whole month. We also have some exciting plans for the next edition with a new SID mascot and a new Safer Internet Day website currently in development!

Stay tuned to future editions of the BIK bulletin for more news; campaigning activities will start in September 2024.

The Insafe network of helplines collects data about the types of calls received and this is analysed every three months in order to look at possible trends and emerging issues. 

The most recent helpline data covers the period from October to December 2023. There were just under 28,000 contacts made to the network which is a significant increase on the previous reporting period. This is mainly due to an increase in figures from the Irish helpline, which is using a new case management system, meaning that it is possible to identify all contacts where the internet and technology played a part. This continues the overall upward trend in the number of contacts made to Insafe helplines.

While cyberbullying remains the most common reason for getting in touch, there was a reduction in the percentage of contacts relating to cyberbullying during this reporting period (10 per cent) but an overall increase in the number of contacts about this. Contacts related to e-crime (defined as chain emails, phishing sites, identity theft, fraud, data theft, copyright infringement, hacking, piracy, etc. (including referrals to a hotline) accounted for nine per cent of all contacts showing significant concerns around these issues. Some helplines also noted that artificial intelligence (AI) is playing a more significant role in some of the online scams that are being seen. Other key areas of concern are online reputation and love/relationships/sexuality (online), which each count for around nine per cent of all contacts. As can be seen, given the proliferation of issues encountered online, raising awareness through targeting campaign actions is crucial, whether at national, pan-European, or global level, as outlined in the focus topic of this edition of the BIK bulletin.

Read more about helpline statistics in the full article on the Better Internet for Kids portal.

Helplines provide information, advice and assistance to children, young people, and those who care for them on how to deal with harmful content, harmful contact (such as grooming), harmful conduct (such as cyberbullying or sexting) and contract issues (where the child is a consumer in the online space). Helplines can be accessed via a variety of means, such as by telephone, email, web forms, and online chat services.
 
A new good practice guide, developed in the framework of the Better Internet for Kids (BIK) project, aims to improve cooperation between EU co-funded Safer Internet Centre helplines (part of the Insafe network) and other non-Insafe helplines which are running the 116 111 harmonised number and related online services.

Despite current actions, cyberbullying remains the most reported topic to the SIC helplines in the last decade. The guide, therefore, provides information about cyberbullying and how to best support children and young people who have been (or are being) affected by it. It also signposts to existing resources published by the Insafe network that can be used or referenced by other helplines, as well as parents, caregivers and educators, as appropriate. 

In addition, it offers suggestions for counsellors on how to provide specific support and guidance for young people who are victims of cyberbullying, including some case studies to exemplify the types of issues that helplines are dealing with.

Read or download the good practice guide here.

Enhancing the visibility of the 116 111 number to address cyberbullying is one of the provisions of the Better Internet for Kids (BIK+) strategy. Read more about the strategy on the Better Internet for Kids portal.

Removing illegal material that depicts the sexual abuse of real children from the internet makes a significant impact on our society. This content is often shared and distributed across borders through the internet, underscoring the importance of working collectively as a worldwide network. The work done by INHOPE hotlines includes not only removing such material online but also providing key intelligence to law enforcement partners which leads to the safeguarding of victims and identification of perpetrators. 

As the leading global network combatting online child sexual abuse material (CSAM), INHOPE member hotlines have established an effective and well-recognised mechanism for the rapid removal of CSAM within Europe and around the world. Across the INHOPE network, over 200 hotline analysts work every day to find and remove illegal content from the internet and to share data with law enforcement so they can identify victims and perpetrators. Hotline analysts are the first responders in the fight against CSAM, and their expertise and incredible dedication have contributed to the removal of millions of instances of CSAM online every year. 

In 2023, European hotlines experienced a significant increase in the number of total reports received, reaching a total of 1,428,552 reports compared to 886,797 in 2022. This rise can be attributed to various factors such as the increasing visibility of hotlines, the growing public awareness of what and how to report, and the work of proactive CSAM search by several hotlines. 

Read the full article on the Better Internet for Kids portal to discover more about key trends observed by INHOPE hotlines during 2023.

European Youth Week (EYW) is an event organised by the European Commission every second year to celebrate and promote youth engagement, participation, and active citizenship throughout Europe and beyond. This edition will take place from 12 to 19 April 2024, two months before the European elections in June.

The week's flagship event will take place on Friday, 12 April 2024, at the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium, gathering together a diverse mix of young people, Commissioners, other European politicians, inspirational speakers and policymakers in the field of youth. The event will start with a plenary session (live streaming will be available), setting the stage for insightful discussions and collective engagement, followed by an extensive selection of parallel breakout sessions focusing on several key topics for youth: democratic participation and active citizenship, climate and environment, education and training, employment, and social inclusion.

Within that context, Better Internet for Kids, in collaboration with the Publications Office of the EU, will be involved in a session called Check your facts! The power of digital skills, critical thinking and open data. It will be completely youth-led, thanks to the participation of two BIK Youth Ambassadors who will chair, moderate and intervene in the opening panel. The session will also include two interactive workshops, helping young people develop their media and data literacy skills to identify disinformation online and explore open data to support them in making informed choices.

Visit the European Youth Portal for the latest news on the event.

Image credit: European Commission/European Youth Week

The 2024 European elections - taking place from 6-9 June - are fast approaching, and young people may have questions ahead of voting for the first time. In most EU countries you have to be 18 to vote, but if you live in Austria, Belgium, Germany or Malta, the voting age is 16, while in Greece, it’s 17. Regardless of the voting age, however, many young people may be curious about these elections. 

To ensure that young voices are heard, the European Union has produced a new leaflet detailing key information on voting, along with additional information on various EU-related opportunities available to young people to help them shape the Europe of the future.

You can download or order print versions of the leaflet - available in 24 languages - from the Publications Office of the European Union.

The BIK Teacher corner has just published two new deep dive resources!  

Do you know what non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and cryptocurrencies are, how young people may encounter and use them online, and the relevant risks posed by both types of technology? Can you easily detect deepfakes, and are you aware of the potential risks they present? Explore these, and other key topics, in the BIK Teacher corner deep dive articles – check out the full listing here. 

The BIK Teacher corner is a section of the BIK portal dedicated to teachers, educators and other professionals working with children and young people. It offers information, advice and resources on digital citizenship and online safety, to better educate and support youth to safely navigate the digital world. Deep dive articles address various topics and issues relevant to the digital lives of children and young people. Each deep dive provides information, advice and suggested activities to help explore these areas in detail. New topics are regularly added, so please check back often.

Save the date for the next two events in the BIK Teacher corner webinar series:

Webinar 2: Thursday, 2 May 2024 at 17:00 CEST (online) | Disinformation and fake news 
This webinar will address mis- and disinformation, fake news, deepfakes and conspiracy theories. In particular, disinformation is surrounded by increasing concern as it has been identified as a concrete threat to democracy. With the European elections coming up in June 2024, this topic is now more relevant than ever. How can teachers and educators support their pupils in the classroom, especially if they are first-time voters? You can already register for the webinar here. 

Webinar 3: Thursday, 6 June 2024 at 17:00 CEST (online) | Virtual worlds and immersive realities 
Some of the key developments in recent years revolve around artificial intelligence (AI), with virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and extended reality (XR) applications emerging in all sectors of society, such as leisure, health, and especially learning, training and education. Such technologies entail both great opportunities and concerning risks – how can teachers and educators be empowered with the skills and knowledge needed to tackle the implications of immersive realities in educational settings? You can already register for the webinar here. 

Did you miss Webinar 1, which introduced the BIK Teacher corner? If so, you can watch the recording here.

More generally, check the BIK Teacher corner webinar page regularly for more information on upcoming webinars. 

Image credits: Better Internet for Kids

A new Better Internet for Kids (BIK) MOOC (massive open online course) launched earlier in March, and will run through to mid-April. The course provides background information and an understanding of key initiatives that are shaping the digital experiences of children and young people. It also explores how teachers and schools can help to protect and promote children's rights in a digital world, how education can empower children and young people with the necessary skills and competences for the Digital Decade, and methods to encourage all youth to actively participate in shaping a better and safer internet.

The course is targeted at primary and secondary school teachers of any subject. Other educational professionals and stakeholders, such as heads of schools, school support staff, and policymakers with an interest in this topic are also welcome to join.

Enrolment is still possible; find out more via the European Schoolnet Academy.

Image credit: European Schoolnet/European Schoolnet Academy

Join the Media Literacy Case for Educators MOOC: Empowering educators for the next Digital Decade. Launching on Monday, 6 May 2024, and running for six weeks, this comprehensive massive open online course will delve into the principles behind effective media literacy education and critical thinking. Through engaging modules, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by youth using modern technology and explore technology's influence on individuals, society, and the world.

Moreover, the MLCE course will equip teachers with the tools to select and develop educational approaches that meet their students' media literacy needs. This course is designed specifically for primary and secondary school teachers of any subject, as well as other educational professionals and stakeholders who are interested in enhancing their understanding of media literacy.  

Don't miss this opportunity; enrol now via the European Schoolnet Academy.

Image credit: European Schoolnet/Media Literacy Case for Educators project

The menABLE (Empower Manpower against Gender-Based Violence Online) project recently unveiled a new research report during an EU Policy Roundtable in Brussels, Belgium. Titled Beyond words: Understanding and addressing gender-based violence online, this empirical study aims to pave the way for educational strategies to help combat this issue. 

The report presents a comprehensive synthesis of the key findings that emerged from the literature review, qualitative focus groups, and semi-structured interviews involving diverse stakeholders and experts in the field. By documenting the current situation, it identifies specific areas for intervention and conducts a comparative analysis across partner countries (Belgium, Denmark, and Greece). Serving as both a theoretical and empirical foundation, the report contributes to the project's educational and awareness-raising initiatives, including valuable insights to combat gender-based violence (GBV) online. 

Visit the menABLE website to read and download the report.

Image credit: European Schoolnet/menABLE project

Developing good practice, building capacity, and establishing a strong evidence base is key to the work of Insafe and INHOPE, the network of Safer Internet Centres, and other stakeholders in the Better Internet for Kids agenda, in Europe and beyond.

Our regularly updated collection of practice articles on the Better Internet for Kids portal provides insights into the latest opportunities, challenges and initiatives for keeping children and young people safe online.

Read on for a selection of the latest news from Safer Internet Centres...

To mark Safer Internet Day 2024, the Austrian Safer Internet Centre unveiled the findings of a new youth study on "Beauty ideals on the internet". The study examines the effects of digital media use on the perception of young individuals' body image. To this end, 400 young people aged 12 to 17 were questioned about their experiences. The study sheds light on the prevalent pressure young people face to conform to unrealistic body images. 

Read the full article on the Better Internet for Kids portal.

Upon invitation from the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2024, the Croatian Safer Internet Centre Executive Director, Tomislav Ramljak, participated in the Content with Conscience conference in Brussels. He shared insights about the centre's work and collaboration within the framework of the #BetterOnline platform, and discussed guidelines for responsible online content creation.

Read the full article on the Better Internet for Kids portal.

This year, the French Safer Internet Centre conducted a Safer Internet Day campaign focused on online responsibilities, with the slogan "Connected, Engaged, and You?". The objective was to raise awareness among the public about the concept of online responsibility for us, others, and the planet. This campaign led to the creation of school workshop kits, family guides, and a successful social media campaign supported by 19 content creators. With a reach exceeding 1.5 million people, the campaign captured the attention of a broad parent audience. 

Read the full article on the Better Internet for Kids portal.

Short clips on social media delight both young and old alike. Consequently, it's easier to spend more time on social media services than planned. Parents and youth protection officers are particularly concerned about the potential risks of social media use for children and young people.  One pressing question remains: what are operators doing to protect minors on these platforms?  The German Safer Internet Centre provides information about the factors parents should consider when their children use social media.

Read the full article on the Better Internet for Kids portal.

On Safer Internet Day 2024, the Greek Safer Internet Centre collaborated with the Foundation for Research and Technology to raise awareness of safety issues and inspire positive change online. At the heart of this celebration was a main event drawing 800 students from 30 secondary schools. Through a range of playful activities, students were immersed in the exploration of safe and positive uses of online technologies. 

Read the full article on the Better Internet for Kids portal.

On Safer Internet Day 2024, the Portuguese Safer Internet Centre orchestrated a summit in the city of Viseu. The event was characterised by a discussion about the challenges and opportunities of artificial intelligence (AI). It brought together public and private sector forces to promote safe digital practices, with a particular focus on protecting children and young people in the online world.

Read the full article on the Better Internet for Kids portal.

The internet has afforded many new opportunities to children, but it also presents several potential or actual risks to their rights and well-being. On the one hand, children can participate in social interactions, create content, and voice their opinions online like never before but, on the other hand, they are increasingly exposed to different risks and harms online.

Protecting children from online risks while furthering their participation in the online sphere is important to ensure that the rights of children enshrined under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (CFREU) are upheld. In this respect, age assurance is considered one of the solutions towards creating a safe online experience for children while promoting their well-being and respecting their rights and best interests.

A new European Commission research report, Mapping age assurance typologies and requirements, will be published soon. Follow Better Internet for Kids channels on social media (X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and LinkedIn) for news on its launch. We'll also bring you more news on this critical area of work in the June 2024 edition of the BIK bulletin. 

We invite you to already save the date for Safer Internet Forum (SIF) 2024 which will take place in hybrid format in Brussels and online on Thursday, 21 November 2024. More information on the focus of the event and registration details will be shared in the June 2024 edition of the BIK bulletin.