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.

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Check out a selection of news for you.

The lights and shadows of virtual worlds and immersive realities

As part of the #MediaSmartOnline campaign, aiming to spotlight media literacy actions across Europe and running in cooperation with the network of Safer Internet Centres (SICs) and the Media & Learning Association (MLA) within the framework of the Better Internet for Kids (BIK) initiative, we are producing articles on a series of focus topics related to media literacy. This week, we’re diving into virtual worlds and immersive realitites.

Is social media addictive?

Short clips on social media delight young and old alike. Consequently, we spend more time on social media services than planned. Parents and youth protection officers are particularly concerned about the potential risks of social media usage for children and young people.  One pressing question remains: what are operators doing to protect minors on their platforms?

International Day of Happiness 2024

Today, on March 20th we celebrate the International Day of Happiness. This day serves as a global reminder of happiness and well-being in the lives of people across the world. This day is particularly important because it reminds us of a fundamental essence of our existence.

The rising importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) literacy

As part of the #MediaSmartOnline campaign, aiming to spotlight media literacy actions across Europe and running in cooperation with the network of Safer Internet Centres (SICs) and the Media & Learning Association (MLA) within the framework of the Better Internet for Kids (BIK) initiative, we are producing articles on a series of focus topics related to media literacy. This week, we’re diving into artificial intelligence.

Safer Internet Day 2024 in Germany tackles pornography

The German awareness-raising centre klicksafe put the taboo topic of pornography in the spotlight for this year's Safer Internet Day (SID) on Tuesday, 6 February 2024. Discover what the German Safer Internet Centre and partners organised to celebrate the day.

Safer Internet Day 2024 in the Netherlands: Together for a better internet

The 21st edition of Safer Internet Day occurred on Tuesday, 6 February 2024. It is a day in which we emphasise the importance of a safer internet together with many other countries. We created various activities on the day to raise awareness about safe internet usage. The slogan “Together for a better internet” encouraged parents, teachers, young people, and many others to think about a safer use of internet usage for children. Attention was paid to this important topic not only by the Dutch Safer Internet Centre itself but also by other organisations. 

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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.