Creating a safer connected world: Research and policy

Research and policy

Through the Better Internet for Kids (BIK) agenda, the European Commission (EC), Safer Internet Centres (SICs) and other stakeholders regularly engage with partners from the fields of research and policy to strengthen the evidence base on children and young people’s online safety and protect, promote and advance their rights in the digital environment. Read on to discover more.

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Latest helpline trends: Quarter 2, 2023

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. Since April 2023, helplines have been using an updated set of categories to log contacts against. The new categories were agreed upon following extensive consultation and discussion with the helpline network. The work was led by a helpline working group who spent considerable time determining the changes that needed to be made. 

Celebrating the International Day for Universal Access to Information 2023

Today, 28 September 2023, we celebrate the International Day for Universal Access to Information. This day serves as a reminder of the fundamental human right to access information and highlights its critical role in fostering transparency, accountability, and informed decision-making. 

Empowering the next generation: youth co-creates a seminar at a democracy festival

Youth participation was the key to success when the Swedish Safer Internet Centre (SIC) recently arranged a seminar at Almedalen Week on the isle of Gotland. High school student Huda Omar, who was also the moderator of the seminar, said it is important to give children and youth real and concrete opportunities to be involved.

International Day of Democracy 2023: Empowering the next generation

Today, 15 September 2023, we celebrate the International Day of Democracy. The day is officially recognised as a United Nations observance. It provides an opportunity to reflect on the state of democracy worldwide. This year, the focus is on "Empowering the next generation," recognising young people's pivotal role in advancing democracy.

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Useful content on research and policy

Find out more about how research and policy is helping to create a better internet for children and young people.

Safer Internet Forum

The annual Safer Internet Forum brings together young people, parent and teacher representatives, industry and government policymakers, technological and awareness-raising experts, and political, educational and social leaders from Europe and beyond. The last edition took place on 27 October 2022 in a hybrid format.

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BIK Policy Map

The Better Internet for Kids Policy Map was created to compare and exchange knowledge on policy making and implementation in EU Member States on the themes and recommendations of the European Strategy for a Better Internet for Children.

Explore the BIK Policy Map

Digital transformation

The time children and young people spend online has increased significantly, giving them access to unprecedented opportunities but also exposing them to new risks. To address this new reality, the European Commission is funding four Horizon 2020 projects.

Read more about the Horizon 2020 projects

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.

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