One year of BIK+

Exactly one year ago, on 11 May 2022, the European Commission adopted a new European strategy for a Better Internet for Kids (BIK+), to improve age-appropriate digital services and to ensure that every child is protected, empowered and respected online. Let’s take a look at further policy developments that have happened over the course of the past year. 

Date 2023-05-11 Author BIK Team Section awareness, helplines, hotlines, industry, policy, research Topic media literacy/education Audience media specialist, organisations and industry, research, policy and decision makers

The BIK+ strategy

The new European strategy for a Better Internet for Kids aims for accessible, age-appropriate and informative online content and services that are in children's best interests. It is based on three main pillars, focusing on the protection, empowerment and respect of children and young people in their online experiences.  

The new strategy is based on an extensive consultation process with children, complemented by targeted consultations with parents, teachers, Member States, ICT and media industry, civil society, academics and international organisations. 

The child-friendly version of the BIK+ strategy

As part of the plans to ensure a safer online experience for all children and young people, it was pivotal to address them directly and provide them with the necessary tools to learn how to safely access and enjoy what the online world has to offer, and to be aware of potential risks and concerns.

Thus, an accessible, child-friendly version of the BIK+ strategy was developed, starting from the key principles of the strategy and adapting the language and visual style to target a younger audience. Additionally, the child-friendly version includes a guide to explain some of the more specific jargon used in the leaflet, providing further context and information about the development of the strategy. Read and download the booklet in English, or access the translations in a range of EU and non-EU languages here.

The BIK Policy Map

To celebrate the one-year anniversary of the launch of BIK+, the fourth edition of the BIK Policy Map is launched today. This series began in 2014 with the aim of mapping the implementation of the European Strategy for a Better Internet for Children (the ‘BIK strategy’, now BIK+) in EU Member States and the EEA, and to compare and exchange knowledge on policies and activities to support children’s well-being in the digital environment, including measures specified in the BIK strategy, presents findings on policy frameworks, policy-making and policy implementation in all EU Member States, Iceland and Norway.

The fourth edition of the BIK Policy Map is the first overview of policies since adopting the updated European strategy for a better internet for kids (BIK+) in May 2022. Its findings are organised under the three pillars of the BIK+ strategy – safe digital experiences, digital empowerment, and active participation.

In addition, a series of country impact case studies are also available, providing insights from a national perspective rather than from the point of view of implementing EU strategy. Four countries were chosen as subjects for the case studies: Ireland, Finland, Malta and Germany.

Read and download the fourth edition of the BIK Policy Map here, and generally find more information about the BIK Policy Map here.

Find more information about the BIK+ strategy on the dedicated page on the BIK portal.

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