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.

Stay up to date

Check out a selection of news for you.

Iceland launched new website for Safer Internet Day 2023

For the 2023 edition of Safer Internet Day, the Safer Internet Centre in Iceland (SAFT) focused on collaboration. SAFT is a part of a new network about media literacy in Iceland with more than 40 other partners, including the Icelandic media commission and the national broadcasting company.  

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. 

SIC+ webinar focuses on disinformation and fake news

The SIC+ (Safer Internet Centre plus) programme is a collaboration between the network of European Safer Internet Centres and like-minded organisations around the world focused on keeping children and young people safe online. At the end of March 2023, the fourth and final webinar of the current round of the SIC+ programme took place, focusing on disinformation and fake news. 

The Netherlands focus on inappropriate content for Safer Internet Day 2023

As fast as the internet develops, the years are also passing by fast. This year, on 7 February 2023, the world celebrated the 20th anniversary of Safer Internet Day. What once started as a SafeBorders initiative in 2004 has now grown into a widely respected event celebrated in more than 180 countries. Read more about the SID celebrations in the Netherlands. 

Discover more news

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.

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.

Find out more

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

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.