Creating a safer connected world: Parents and carers

Study in Latvia finds that parents play an important role in helping children to spot fake news

Latvian Safer Internet Centre

Only every third teenager in Latvia checks information before trusting and sharing it on the internet. More than half (57 per cent) admit they haven't learned at school how to analyse information and how to make sure the information is true. Of those who have acquired this skill at school, 49 per cent say that the information and knowledge gained has not been sufficient. 

The impact of media on young people

Dutch Safer Internet Centre

Parents of children aged 0 to 6 have started to think more positively about the effect of media on their child, as compared to previous years. For example, a large majority now believe that media can help their child with language development and math skills, among other things. Parents also see media as a tool to keep the child occupied when they do not have the time themselves, or as a sweetener when the child is bored. In contrast, parents are less positive about the effect of media in relation to online education. More than a quarter of parents of 5-6-year-olds indicate that their child’s performance in school has suffered as a result of online education. All this is apparent from the Iene Miene Media survey 2021 that was presented during the start of the ‘Media Ukkie’ Days (26 March to 2 April 2021). 

Children need help in cyberspace

Estonian Safer Internet Centre

Each generation is spending more and more time behind computers, and screens are now a part of daily life. The current generation of children are using smart devices for leisure as well as for schoolwork and socialising; therefore it’s important to pay attention to the things they are doing online. Catlyn Kirna, CGI cybersecurity expert in Estonia, provides an overview of the main concerns regarding children being online, and what can be done to help them. 

Irish Safer Internet Centre raises awareness of new Coco’s Law

Irish Safer Internet Centre

Webwise, the Irish Safer Internet Centre, has developed a range of new resources to raise awareness of the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Bill (Coco’s Law) which was recently introduced in Ireland. Coco’s Law has criminalised the non-consensual distribution of intimate images. 

Interactive Conversations on Europe's Future for Seniors

Latvian Safer Internet Centre

As part of the “Interactive Conversations on Europe’s Future” initiative, seniors in Latvia learned about online risks and safety on the internet. From September to November 2021, events took place in 14 different cities across Latvia, organised by the European Commission Representation in Latvia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia, and the Latvian Safer Internet Centre. 

Mum, Dad, do you have to take another photo of me? And post it online?

Luxembourgish Safer Internet Centre

Holidays are a time when we can relax, far away from the stresses of everyday life. Parents and children enjoy wonderful moments together – and we naturally want to hold on to these memories. In a matter of clicks, a couple of photos are taken and – thanks to technical possibilities – are posted directly onto social networks. Not only teenagers, but also parents are doing this more and more frequently.