Creating a safer connected world: Parents and carers

Are you a parent or carer?

Parents and carers are often in the best position to influence, support, educate and protect their children, both offline and online. Through the Better Internet for Kids (BIK) agenda, the European Commission (EC), Safer Internet Centres (SICs) and other stakeholders strive to support parents and carers in this role, ensuring children and young people use the internet in a responsible, respectful, critical and creative way. Read on to discover more.

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Check out a selection of news for you.

When should you buy your child their first mobile phone?

Whether it’s because of siblings or parents, or whether it’s a result of them starting school, children nowadays first come across the internet and mobile phones at an increasingly earlier age. But when is it an appropriate time for a child to get their first mobile phone?

Βack to school in Greece with a focus on digital citizenship

Once again, with the start of a new school year, the Greek Safer Internet Centre has created and shared new digital educational material for students of all grade levels. The material consists of valuable tools that can be used in the classroom and for independent learning at home.

Ok Groomer, a game to equip minors with tools against online grooming

Playgrounds are no longer just physical playgrounds. Children also gather online to play. Individuals with bad intentions try to target children online through gaming platforms or social media – this phenomenon is called grooming. Child Focus launched the prevention game "Ok Groomer" to teach children aged 8-14 how to deal with grooming in a playful way.

International Literacy Day 2023

International Literacy Day, observed annually on 8 September, will be celebrated this year under the theme: "Promoting literacy for a world in transition". It will serve as an opportunity to accelerate progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on education and lifelong learning and to rethink the role of literacy in establishing inclusive, peaceful, just, and sustainable societies.

Screen time: Balancing online activities for children over the summer

With summer in full swing, children often have more free time. As they explore the season’s wonders, we can encourage them to balance their online and offline activities, making the most of their time. While digital devices can be fascinating, we can encourage them to engage in creative activities that foster learning and interactions with others. Striving for balance will empower our children to enjoy the best of both worlds, promoting their physical and mental well-being, while making fond memories over the summer break. 

International Youth Day 2023: green skills for youth, towards a sustainable world

International Youth Day is commemorated every year on 12 August. The celebration aims to bring youth issues to the attention of the international community and emphasise the crucial role of youth in shaping the future. This year, the theme: “Green skills for youth: Towards a sustainable world” sheds light on the importance of empowering youth with skills and knowledge to create a greener and more sustainable environment.

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Useful content for parents and carers

A good way for parents and carers to support their children in their digital lives is to stay aware of the issues and challenges of being online. Find some highlights below, or browse the site for more.

Browse our selection of guides on topical online safety issues - from cyberbullying to online reputation, and online challenges to sexting, find out what you need to know.

Browse the guides

 

Our guide to apps aims to provide key information about some of the most popular apps, social networking sites and other platforms which are commonly being used by children and young people (and adults) today.

Go to the guide to apps

Want to find out more about Safer Internet Centre (SIC) services and resources in your country?

Check out your SIC profile page to connect with national resources and sources of support, providing awareness raising, helpline, hotline and youth participation services.