Do you need help? The IS4K freephone helpline is now live

The IS4K (Internet Segura for Kids, the Spanish Safer Internet Centre (SIC)) freephone helpline launched on 11 September 2017 complementing the assistance which has been provided through a web form and email service provided by the Spanish SIC since February 2017. Read on to discover more about this new service.

Date 2017-09-12 Author Spanish Safer Internet Centre Section awareness, helplines

Available on +34 900 116 117, the aim of the helpline is to become a reference point in the Spanish-speaking world that users - children, young people, parents, educators and other professionals working in the area - can access when they are unsure of how to deal with the different situations that may be faced by minors relating to the internet and new technologies. This service is free and confidential.

Why a helpline?
The way we relate and interact has changed rapidly in recent years. Sometimes, minors and those in their environment may not know how to approach situations they are confronted with on the internet or how to access the information and tools they need to navigate these risks.

Here at IS4K, we want to help children, their families and educators in matters relating to internet safety. This initiative, a pioneering project in Spain, is part of the network of Insafe helplines which function in an interconnected way and have a consolidated track history in Europe.

Who's going to help me?
We know that sometimes it's easier to trust someone that's anonymous; to tell them our problems or express our doubts (especially when we find ourselves in troublesome situations), rather than to go to our parents or an adult. What's more, phenomena like sextortion, viral challenges and cyber-harassment are relatively new and things often seem more complex in the online world. It's not always easy to approach the appropriate person to help us resolve our doubts and conflicts.

Queries received by the helpline are dealt with by a multi-disciplinary team comprised of psychologists, and experts in IT security and legal matters, providing psychosocial assistance and preventive advice in response to online concerns.

What issues can the helpline help me with?
Queries must be related to the online experience of children and young people and related risks, such as situations concerning privacy and digital identity, viruses and scams, excessive use of new technologies, sexting, cyber-harassment, device protection, inappropriate content, dangerous communities (such as pro-anorexia or pro-bulimia), safe use and configuration of technologies, and parental mediation, among others.

When and where do I call?
You can contact the helpline on the freephone number +34 900 116 117. During the hours of service of Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 20:00 CET and Saturdays from 10:00 to 14:00 CET. If you need to contact the helpline outside of these hours, or you prefer to lodge your query in writing, you can do so using the web contact form which is available on the IS4K website.

Do you need information?
The Internet Segura For Kids website, www.is4k.es, offers information for all users who want to know more about the basic aspects of child protection, as well as a section with frequently asked questions that include many of the questions that concern minors, parents and educators. What's more, through the "report line" section, anyone can report content on the internet which they consider to be inappropriate for minors.

Want to stay up to date?
If you don't want to miss out on the latest news and you're interested in staying up to date on issues relating to internet safety for children, you can subscribe to the IS4K newsletters; you'll receive all the latest news and published resources. Our blog also offers the opportunity to leave comments and suggestions on each article. You can also follow our public profiles on social media and help us get the word out about our initiative: Facebook (Internet Segura for Kids) and Twitter (@is4k). Share your opinions and concerns with us, and with other parents and educators involved in internet safety for minors.

We're here to help you!
If you're worried about anything, remember that here at IS4K we're happy to help – call us on +34 900 116 117.

Ready, steady, go!
On 11 September 2017, we're donning our headsets and we're ready! Further information on the service is available at www.is4k.es/ayuda, on Twitter (@is4k) and on Facebook (@is4k.es). Follow the hashtag #AyudaIS4K.

Find out more about the work of the Spanish Safer Internet Centre, including its awareness raising, helpline, hotline and youth participation services.

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