Safer internet for kids

Digital technologies bring many opportunities and benefits, allowing children to interact with others, learn online and be entertained. However, with these technologies also come risks, such as the dangers of exposure to disinformation, cyberbullying and harmful and illegal content, from which kids need to be protected.

In 2022, the European Commission adopted a new European strategy for a better internet for kids (BIK+). It aims for accessible, age-appropriate and informative online content and services that are in children’s best interests. This updated strategy is the digital arm of the rights of the child strategy, adopted by the Commission in 2021, and builds on the original BIK strategy adopted by the Commission back in 2012.

The strategy is three-pronged.

• Safe digital experiences. Protecting children from harmful and illegal online content, conduct and risks and improving their well-being through a safe, age-appropriate digital environment.
• Digital empowerment. Ensuring that children acquire the necessary skills and competences to make informed choices and express themselves in the online environment safely and responsibly.
• Active participation. Respecting children by giving them a say in the digital environment, with more child-led activities to foster innovative and creative safe digital experiences.

SEE ALSO

• European Commission
• Member States
• EU strategy on the rights of the child and the European child guarantee (summary)
• Online platforms
• Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions – A Digital Decade for children and youth: the new European strategy for a better internet for kids (BIK+) (COM(2022) 212 final, 11.5.2022).