SIC+ programme: Ukraine - NGO Better Internet Centre

In 2017, inspired by our five years of work as a Safer Internet Day Committee and the possibility to take part in the creation of a safer internet for all, we established an NGO: "Better Internet Centre". We are working on the translation and adaptation of research, UNICEF, Council of Europe reports, and Insafe materials making them more accessible for everybody in each part of Ukraine: from rural areas to big cities. We develop new tools on online safety for education and advocate child rights online across Ukraine. We see our role in helping children and young people to be an active part of positive changes in the digital age.

We develop our activities with and for young people through non-formal education methods and children/youth participation in schools, clubs and youth associations. Our educational resources - such as Web We Want in Ukrainian, Onlike, Born in the network (a collection of essays), the "Universe of Opportunities" game, leaflets and posters - support teachers, educators, youth workers and librarians across Ukraine to create a participatory atmosphere to explore online safety and human rights online. 

Mostly all requests for help to the Better Internet Centre are sent by teachers or youth workers. They typically ask for advice, ideas, and resources (printed/online) to explore online safety topics with children and youth. Since April 2022, the Better Internet Centre has been sharing its educational resources and games for free. 4,200 sets of the training manual “Onlike”, Universe of opportunities, Start, Souvenirko, along with online safety posters, contribute to educational and fun activities for children and youth.

The hotline service in Ukraine is offered by La Strada-Ukraine - phone number 116111 or 0 800 500 225. The hotline service offered by La Strada-Ukraine has continued to operate since the start of the war. Not all requests have concerned the internet or digital skills, however, and the requests have come from Ukrainian children all over Europe.

Youth participation is a key approach and value of the organisation. Young people are taking part both in the decision-making processes and the development of educational resources. All training activities are based on the non-formal education methodology to support meaningful children and youth participation.