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.

Stay up to date

Check out a selection of news for you.

European Day on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse

Today, 18 November 2023, marks the day of the European Day on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse. The Council of Europe created it to inform and discuss the importance of protecting children against child sexual exploitation. The theme of this year, “Learning from victims/survivors of childhood sexual violence to inspire policy change”, underscores the importance of engaging with victims at national and local levels.

A guide to address incriminating content about war and terror online

During wars, attacks or disasters, social networks are flooded with information.  Discussing about these topics requires a thoughtful approach, addressing not only  the harsh realities but also the prevalence of fake news and propaganda. Here are a few tips to help children and young people deal with this type of content. 

Celebrating World Mental Health Day: supporting parents of child abuse on their journey to healing

Today, 10 October 2023, we commemorate World Mental Health Day, a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness of mental health issues and supporting collective actions to improve mental well-being worldwide. This day serves as a platform for individuals and organisations working on mental health to contribute and discuss the essential steps to ensure accessible mental health care for everyone across the globe. In addition to these efforts, we also want to shed light on INHOPE's vital support for parents who have survived child abuse, recognising their unique struggles and providing them with essential resources.

Insafe delegation kicks off IGF 2023 with Day 0 event on youth participation

This year’s Internet Governance Forum (IGF), the 18th annual edition, is hosted by the Government of Japan in Kyoto from 8-12 October 2023 under the Forum's overarching theme: The internet we want - empowering all people. The Insafe network of Safer Internet Centres in Europe contributed with a Day 0 event focusing on youth empowerment and participation, including children and young people from vulnerable backgrounds. 

Discover more news

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.