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+)
Date: 2022-05-11
Institutions: Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology, European Commission
Subjects: EU strategy, Internet, access to information, child, child protection, children's rights, computer crime, data protection, digital technology, impact of information technology

EN 

  EN 

   EUROPEAN COMMISSION  Brussels, 11.5.2022  COM(2022) 212 final  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+)  
 
 
1.  Introduction 

2012  marked  the  first  European  strategy  for  a  better  internet  for  kids  (BIK).  The  updated 
strategy for a better internet for kids (BIK+), laid out in this communication, will ensure that 
children are protected, respected and empowered online in the new Digital Decade.  

Respect for human rights, including the rights of the child, is intrinsic to the values on which 
the European Union is  founded1. They must be equally respected online and offline2. In the 
Digital  Decade,  every  child  in  Europe  deserves  to  thrive  in  a  safe  and  empowering  digital 
environment and to be part of the global digital transition.  

Children create, play and interact online from an ever younger age, using digital technologies 
for  education,  entertainment,  social  contact  and  participation  in  society.  In  doing  so,  they 
often encounter digital content and services that were not designed with children in mind.  

Children  and  youth3  are  not  a  single,  homogeneous  group,  they  differ  by  age,  gender, 
evolving  capacities  and  social  and  economic  background.  Children  in  vulnerable  situations, 
such  as  children  with  disabilities,  children 
racial  or  ethnic 
background, refugee children, children in care, LGBTQI+ children, as well as children with a 
disadvantaged  socio-economic  background  may  face  additional  challenges  in  the  digital 
environment.  

from  a  minority 

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the benefits of digital  technology  but  also  the  crucial 
need  for  equal  access  to  technology  (devices  and  network),  digital  skills  and  competences 
including  media  literacy  for  all  children4.  Children  who  lack  access  to  the  internet  are 
excluded  from  resources  that  can  help  them  learn  and  grow.  Inequalities  can  lead  to  higher 
risks of lower educational outcomes, poor mental health, and lack of long-term prospects5.  

With this in mind, and to address the risks and harms of the increasingly digitalised society, 
including for children, the Commission proposed in December 2020 an ambitious reform of 
the existing rulebook aiming to create a safer digital space in which the fundamental rights of 
all  users  of  digital  services  are  protected.  The  recent  political  agreement  on  the  Digital 
Services Act (DSA) shows that the protection of minors is one of the cornerstones of the new 
rules,  obliging  companies  to  put  the  interests  of  children  at  the  forefront  of  their 
considerations6.   

1 Treaty on European Union, Art. 2 and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, notably its Article 24. 
2 UN general comment No. 25  on the UN convention on the rights of the child (to which all EU Member States are parties) 
explicitly addresses children’s rights in the digital environment. 
3 Those under 18 years of age, in accordance with the UN convention on the rights of the child. Under the BIK+ strategy,  
‘youth’ also refers to children below 18 years old. In legislation the term used is ‘minors’ 
4 JRC, How children (10-18) experienced online risks during the Covid-19 lockdown. 
JRC, Emergency remote schooling during COVID-19. 
5 JRC, How families handled emergency remote schooling during the time of Covid lockdown in spring 2020. 
T20-Italy, Digital learning for every child: closing the gaps for an inclusive and prosperous future. 
6 The Digital Services Act package ; DSA: Commission welcomes political agreement 

1 

 
                                                           
Furthermore,  as  part  of  its  vision  for  Europe’s  digital  transformation  by  20307,  the 
Commission  has  proposed  a  European  Declaration  on  Digital  rights  and  principles  for  the 
Digital Decade8 which reflects EU values such as children’s protection and empowerment.  

The  2012  European  strategy  for  a  better  internet  for  children  (BIK  strategy)9  set  a  global 
benchmark,  guiding  and  shaping  national  policies  in  the  EU.  All  Members  States  have 
incorporated elements of the BIK strategy. In March 2021, the Commission adopted its first-
ever comprehensive EU  strategy on the rights  of the child where it  announced an update of 
the BIK strategy10.  

The updated BIK+ strategy is the digital arm of the rights of the child strategy and reflects the 
recently proposed digital principle that ‘Children and young people should be protected and 
empowered online’11. It takes into account the European Parliament Resolution on children’s 
rights12,  the  Council  Conclusions  on  media  literacy13  and  the  Council  Recommendation 
establishing a European Child Guarantee14.  

This 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 organisations15. 

BIK+ therefore aims to complement and support the practical implementation of the existing 
measures  to  protect  children  online,  develop  children’s  skills  and  empower  them  to  safely 
enjoy and shape their life online. 

2.  What the EU has done so far 

Since 2012, the BIK strategy has played a pivotal  role in  influencing child online protection 
and  empowerment  at  European,  national  and  international  level.  The  safer  internet  expert 
group16  allows  exchange  of  good  practice  across  Member  States,  and  the  Commission  has 
encouraged industry cooperation with civil society and young people via the Alliance to better 
protect minors online17. 

The  2012  BIK  strategy  established  the  EU  co-funded  network  of  Safer  Internet  Centres 
(SICs)18  and  the  EU-funded  betterinternetforkids.eu  portal,  the  hub  for  child  online  safety. 
SICs  support  30  million  people  each  year19.  They  run  localised  awareness-raising  activities 

7 Digital Compass: the European way for the Digital Decade,  COM/2021/118 final. 
8 European Declaration on Digital rights and principles for the Digital Decade, COM/2022/27 final 
9 European strategy for a better internet for children, COM/2012/0196. In short, Better Internet for Kids “BIK” 
10 EU strategy on the rights of the child, COM/2021/142 final 
11 Declaration on European Digital rights and principles. 
12 European Parliament Resolution 2019/2876 of 26 November 2019, point 19. 
13 Council Conclusions on media literacy in an ever-changing world, 2020/C 193/06. 
14 Council Recommendation establishing a European Child guarantee, ST 9106 2021 INIT. 
15 How to make Europe’s Digital Decade fit for children and young people? 
Summary of stakeholder consultations. Over 60% of respondents to the open consultation on the rights of the child 
acknowledged the need for a new BIK strategy (BIK+). Nearly 80% of respondents agreed that IT companies should play a 
larger role in this domain. 
16 Expert group webpage. 
17 Alliance webpage. 
18 Safer Internet Centres webpage. 
19 BIK Review of the year 2021. 

2 

 
 
                                                           
and provide materials on all aspects of child online safety in the Member States; offer help and 
identify  emerging  threats  via  the  helplines;  and  support  the  removal  of  online  child  sexual 
abuse material via the INHOPE hotlines20, present in 46 countries. SICs work with a network 
of  BIK  Youth  Ambassadors  and  BIK  Youth  Panels21  who  advise  and  inform  policymakers 
and practitioners, for example the BIK Youth Pledge22 on child-friendly communication. The 
EU initiative Safer Internet Day23 is now celebrated worldwide. 

The Commission also cooperates with international organisations, NGOs, academics working 
on children’s digital rights and the private sector.  

Since  2012,  the  EU  legal  and  policy  framework  to  ensure  even  more  effective  child  online 
safety  has  evolved  considerably24.  For  example,  under  the  revised  Audiovisual  Media 
Services Directive (AVMSD)25, obligations to protect minors from harmful content that may 
impair  their  physical,  mental  and  moral  development  and  illegal  content26  now  extend  to 
video-sharing  platforms.  The  General  Data  Protection  Regulation  (GDPR)  identifies 
children’s personal data as requiring special protection, with parental consent needed up  to a 
certain  age  (between  13  and  16  years  depending  on  the  Member  State).27,28  The  Unfair 
Commercial  Practices  Directive29  protects  children  as  vulnerable  consumers  and  prohibits 
direct exhortations to purchase.  

Last  but  not  least,  the  DSA  will  oblige  all  online  platforms  to  design  their  systems  with 
consideration  for  the  rights  of  child  users.  In  particular,  children  must  be  able  to  easily 
understand terms and conditions of the service they use. However, this is just the beginning. 
Under the new rules, all online platforms offering services to children in the Union, such as 
social  media  or  interactive  games  platforms,  will  be  obliged  to  take  appropriate  and 
proportionate measures to ensure the privacy, safety and security of children on their services. 
In  addition,  online  platforms  will  be  prohibited  from  presenting  advertisements  to  children 
based  on  profiling.  Finally,  very  large  online  platforms  and  search  engines  will  have  to 
consider  any  systemic  risks  concerning  their  services,  including  any  actual  or  foreseeable 
negative effects in relation to the protection of children. 

The proposed Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act30 sets uniform rules for AI in the EU, and seeks 
to  create  a  single  market  for  trustworthy  AI  applications  that  can  be  used  in  full  respect  of 
fundamental rights, including children’s rights. The proposal for a European Digital  Identity 

20 INHOPE website. 
21 BIK youth website. 
22 Youth pledge webpage. 
23 Safer Internet Day website. 
24 See compendium of EU formal texts concerning children in the digital world. 
25 Audiovisual Media Services Directive, (EU) 2018/1808. 
26 Illegal for all users: content that is xenophobic, terrorist, or child sexual abuse material. 
27 General Data Protection Regulation, (EU) 2016/679. 
28 The European Data Protection Board will publish guidelines on the processing of children's personal data and the rights of 
children as data subjects under the GDPR in 2022. 
29 Unfair Commercial Practices Directive, 2005/29/EC. 
30 Proposal for a regulation laying down harmonised rules on Artificial Intelligence (Artificial Intelligence Act) and 
amending certain Union legislative acts COM/2021/206 final. 

3 

 
 
                                                           
framework (eID)31 will enable minors, on the basis of national laws, to use the Digital Identity 
Wallet, for example to prove their age without disclosing other personal data.  

A  new  proposal  for  a  regulation  laying  down  rules  to  prevent  and  combat  child  sexual 
abuse32, presented at the same time as the BIK+ strategy, sets certain obligations for providers 
of hosting or interpersonal communication services to detect, report and remove child sexual 
abuse online. The proposal also provides for a new European Centre to prevent and counter 
child sexual  abuse that would facilitate the detection, reporting and removal  of child sexual 
abuse  online,  provide  support  to  victims,  and  serve  as  a  hub  for  knowledge,  expertise  and 
research on matters related to the prevention and combating of online child sexual abuse. 

Children are recognised as being at particular risk of falling victim to traffickers online under 
the EU strategy on combatting trafficking in human beings33. A special focus on child victims 
is part of the EU strategy on victims’ rights34.  

The EU  gender equality strategy35 highlights  that  girls  can become victims of  gender-based 
violence, violence that is directed against a woman or girl because she is a woman or girl or 
that  affects  them  disproportionately.  The  proposal  for  a  directive  on  combating  violence 
against  women  and  domestic  violence  includes  the  criminalisation  of  gender-based  cyber 
violence,  and  provides  for  measures  to  protect  and  support  victims  of  such  violence  online 
and offline, regardless of their age36. 

The Communication on the protection of children in migration37 addresses the protection of 
migrant children including on safe access to new technologies. 

The  digital  education  action  plan  (2021-2027)38  addresses  the  challenges  for  education  and 
training intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring a sustainable digital transformation 
in education by creating a high-performing digital education ecosystem and enhancing digital 
skills and competences of children, teachers and educators.  

The EU youth strategy 2019-202739 fosters youth participation in democratic life and supports 
social and civic engagement.  

The  BIK+  strategy  will  build  on  these  achievements  and  ensure  synergies  with  the  relevant 
initiatives to address children’s concerns and needs for the digital decade. 

31 Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) No 910/2014 as 
regards establishing a framework for a European Digital Identity, COM/2021/281 final. 
32 Proposal for a Regulation laying down rules to prevent and combat child sexual abuse COM/2022/209. 
33 EU strategy on combatting trafficking in human beings 2021- 2025, COM/2021/171 final. 
34 EU trategy on victims' rights (2020-2025), COM/2020/258 final. 
35 A Union of Equality: Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025, COM(2020) 152 final. 
36 Proposal for a Directive on combatting violence against women and domestic violence, COM/2022/105 final. 
37 Communication on the protection of children in migration, COM/2017/0211 final. 
38 Digital education action plan 2021-2027 Resetting education and training for the digital age, COM/2020/624 final.  
39 The European Union youth strategy 2019-2027, ST/14944/2018/INIT. 

4 

 
 
                                                           
3.  What has changed - why a new strategy is needed 

Children as users of digital technologies  

Since 2012, children’s use of digital technologies has changed dramatically. Modern devices 
enable  child  users  to  interact,  contact,  play  and  share  with  others,  often  without  parental 
supervision.  The  2020  ‘EU  Kids  Online’  findings40  show  that  a  majority  of  children  report 
using  their  smartphones  ‘daily’  or  ‘almost  all  the  time’,  with  the  time  spent  online  almost 
doubled compared to 2010 in many countries.  The age at which children start to use digital 
devices is also decreasing.  

Such  heightened  levels  of  internet  use  can  lead  to  a  more  sedentary  lifestyle  with  possible 
health  implications.  Many  psychologists  have  raised  concern  about  children  developing 
attention disorders and a difficulty to disconnect . 

While  a healthy  online/offline balance is  encouraged, digital  abstinence is not  an option for 
today’s  children,  as  information,  elements  of  formal  education,  social  contact  and 
entertainment are increasingly online.  

Technology  continues  to  develop  rapidly,  creating  both  new  opportunities  and  risks.  In  the 
near  future,  AI,  virtual,  augmented  and  extended  reality, 
things, 
cryptocurrency, and other technological changes impacting children will raise new social and 
ethical challenges (e.g. bias, lack of fairness, lack of transparency in AI use, interaction with 
deep fakes, avatars and robots). 

internet  of 

the 

These matters were also given prominence in the Conference on the Future of Europe, where 
the European Citizens Panel dealing with Values and Rights called for increased protection of 
minors online. This was endorsed up by the Conference Plenary and is included in a Proposal 
that  has  been  presented  to  the  Presidents  of  the  European  Parliament,  the  Council  and  the 
European Commission41. 

Children and online harms  

Harmful and illegal content, conduct, contacts and consumer risks are frequently present 
for  children  online.  Digital  services,  from  social  media  to  interactive  games,  can  expose 
children  to  risks  such  as  unsuitable  content,  bullying,  grooming42,  child  sexual  abuse  or 
radicalisation.  

In  response  to  the  Commission’s  consultation,  the  list  of  concerns  identified  by  children 
themselves  included  seeing  harmful  content,  which  can  glorify  and  promote  self-harm, 
suicide, violence, hate speech, sexual harassment, drug taking, risky online challenges, eating 
disorders  and  dangerous  dieting  practices.  Such  violent,  frightening  or  otherwise  age-
inappropriate content is within easy reach. Children report seeing pornography at early ages43, 
affecting their views of what constitutes a healthy relationship.  

40 EU Kids online 2020. 
41 E.g. European Citizens’ Panel 2: “European democracy / Values and rights, rule of law, security”, December 2021 
42 Solicitation of children for sexual purposes.  
43 EU Kids Online 2020, pages 89-99, figures 82, 83, 84. 

5 

 
 
                                                           
Despite  existing  EU  law  (AVMSD  and  GDPR),  age  verification  mechanisms  and  parental 
consent tools are still ineffective in many cases, with users often only required to enter their 
birth date upon registration44.  

However, as outlined in  section 2 above,  it is expected that the recently endorsed  DSA will 
significantly improve the safety of all users, including children, and  empower them to make 
informed choices when online.  

In  particular,  as  part  of  the  DSA  risk  management  framework,  systemic  risks  relating  to 
minors require specific attention. Very large online platforms will be obliged to consider how 
easy it is for children to understand the design and functioning of their service, as well as how 
children can be exposed to content that may impair their physical and mental health,and moral 
development.  Such  risks  may  arise,  for  example,  in  the  design  of  online  interfaces  which 
intentionally  or  unintentionally  exploit  the  inexperience  of  children  or  which  may  cause 
addictive  behaviour.    In  this  regard,  very  large  online  platforms  will  have  to  adopt  targeted 
measures  to  protect  the  rights  of  the  child,  including  use  of  age  verification  and  parental 
control  tools,  or  tools  aimed  at  helping  children  signal  abuse  or  obtain  support.  Cyber-
violence, including non-consensual sharing of intimate content, is an example of content that 
requires rapid processing if flagged by users, including children, and appropriate adaptation of 
the content moderation practices.  

The  EU  network  of  hotlines,  INHOPE,  indicated  that  the  number  of  online  images  of 
suspected child sexual abuse processed worldwide almost doubled between 2017 and 2019. 
The problem increased further during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially for children who 
live with their abusers45. Children may be groomed online46 for the purpose of sexual abuse or 
trafficking,  and  are  at  risk  of  having  explicit  images  and  videos,  whether  created  in  a 
consensual relationship with peers or under coercion, shared further without their consent. 

Globally, more than a third of young people have reported being a victim of cyberbullying47. 
Children  may  be  exposed  to  and  participate  in  toxic,  aggressive,  disruptive  or  addictive 
behaviour48  or  be  targeted  by  inappropriate,  sexist  or  racist  content.  This  can  in  turn 
discourage participation in online activities (e.g. by girls), and impact children’s rights49. 

Online racism, xenophobia, antisemitism, disinformation and political extremism leading 
to  radicalisation  are  increasing.  The  Commission  has  initiated  a  Code  of  conduct  on 
countering illegal hate speech in 201650 to step up the response against hate speech online. In 
cooperation  with  the  Radicalisation  Awareness  Network,  it  is  raising  awareness  of  web 

44Study on the implementation of the new provisions in the revised Audiovisual Media SMART 2018/0066. 
45 EUROPOL, Exploiting Isolation: Offenders and victims of online child sexual abuse during the COVID-19 pandemic 
JRC, How children (10-18) experienced online risks during the Covid-19 lockdown. 
UNICEF, COVID-19 and its implications for protecting children online. 
IWF, Annual report 2020. 
46 NCMEC reports of grooming doubled from 2019 to 2020. 
47 UNICEF survey, 2019. 
48 COST action: European Network for Problematic Usage of the internet. 
49 UNICEF, Recommendations for The Online Gaming Industry on Assessing Impact on Children (page 15) (2020). 
50 Code of conduct on countering illegal hate speech online. 

6 

 
 
                                                           
creators  and  game  designers  about  online  risks  of  radicalisation  for  children.  The  code  of 
practice on disinformation51 is being reviewed to reinforce commitments in this field.  

Children as active digital consumers 

Children are now more active and independent digital consumers than they were 10 years ago, 
often using digital products and services designed for adults. They are exposed to or targeted 
by a range of online marketing techniques.  Through social  media recommendation systems, 
and  other  algorithms,  targeted  advertising,  influencer  marketing  and  gamification  of 
marketing52,  harmful  or  inappropriate  content  is  proposed  to  young  users,  exploiting  their 
inexperience  and  lack  of  self-control53.  The  marketing  of  products  high  in  fat,  sugar  or  salt 
among children54 can exacerbate inappropriate dietary behaviour, for example. Similarly, the 
aggressive marketing to children of risky investments as safe bets can lead to severe financial 
consequences. To address the risks and harms associated with this for children, the DSA puts 
forward a number of obligations. These include a prohibition on online platforms to present 
minors with advertising based on profiling, and an obligation for online platforms to provide 
transparency about their recommender systems and options for users to  modify or influence 
the main parameters used in the recommender systems. 

Digital services now continuously collect and share data on children and ‘datafication’55 starts 
even  before  birth.  While  aggregated  big  data  can  allow  ground-breaking  insights  e.g.  into 
children’s  health  and  education,  the  datafication  of  childhood  may  also  have  a  potentially 
lifelong  adverse  impact  on  children’s  well-being  and  development.  Both  children  and 
parents  lack  awareness  of  the  extensive  sharing  of  personal  data  that  may  result  from 
using  digital  services,  notably  those  without  monetary  payments56.  While  so  many  data  are 
collected by industry on children’s use of digital services and related risks, academics have no 
or a very limited access to these important data-sets. 

Children are now systematically exposed to inappropriate content and commercial practices. 
Research on the long-term neurologic impact on children of methods used for commercial 
purposes such as persuasive design, for example games of chance mechanisms such as ‘loot 
boxes57’, is still needed.  

Online gaming is now a major online activity of children: 73% children in the EU aged 6-10, 
84%  aged  11-14  and  74%  of  youth  aged  15-24  play  video  games.  Age-appropriate  online 
gaming  can  support  constructive  educational  and  participatory  activities  online,  develop 
digital  skills  and  competences,  and  bring  other  societal  benefits  (e.g.  therapy  and  culture). 

51 Code of practice on disinformation. 
52 Gamification is the ‘process of making activities more game-like’, Kevin Werbach (2014). Gamification is increasingly 
used in social marketing using techniques such as scoring, incentivizing, and competition and enable businesses to attract and 
engage customers in a fun way and to collect data. 
53 EP, Loot boxes in online games and their effect on consumers, in particular young consumers, pages 27-29. 
54 EP, Study on the exposure of children to linear, non-linear and online marketing of foods high in fat, salt or sugar. Country 
report 6, The Netherlands. 
WHO, Spotlight on adolescent health and well-being. 
55  Datafication  is  a  technological  trend  turning  many  aspects  of  our  life  into  data  which  is  subsequently  transferred  into 
information realised as a new form of value. 
56 For example, see fines in 2021 by the Italian Consumer and Market Authority (in Italian). 
57 Loot boxes are features in video games, usually accessed through gameplay or which may optionally be paid for with real-
world money – EP, Loot boxes in online games and their effect on consumers, in particular young consumers page 14. 

7 

 
 
                                                           
Industry-led efforts play an important role to ensure a safe gameplay environment to protect 
children  while  also  promoting  healthy  gameplay  habits.  This  should  also  include  a  safe-by-
design approach to the development of digital products and services targeting minors.  

Lack of skills  

A common message heard in the Commission’s consultations with children was the need for 
improved media literacy and online safety education for children in schools. Digital skills 
and competences, including digital literacy and an understanding of the use made of personal 
data,  are  essential  for  today’s  children,  allowing  them  to  learn,  connect  and  be  active  and 
informed contributors in shaping the world around them.   

Adults  responsible  for  children  (parents,  carers,  teachers,  club  and  sports  leaders,  religious 
leaders, social  care, healthcare,  youth  workers etc.) need skills  to  support, advise  and  guide 
children. Our consultations showed that these skills are often lacking. 

Digital divide 

Not all children have equal, effective, safe and inclusive access to digital technology.  

Children  in  vulnerable  situations,  children  at  risk  of  poverty  and  social  exclusion  and 
children  living  in  rural  and  remote  areas  with  inadequate  broadband  infrastructure  should 
enjoy  equal  access  to  both  digital  devices  and  skills,  and  equal  chances  to  harness  the 
opportunities of the digital decade  

Recent studies58 on digital deprivation show that in some European countries, around 20% of 
children live in families who cannot afford a computer or internet connection at home. 40% of 
rural  households  do  not  have  access  to  fast  broadband.  In  some  areas,  more  than  15%  of 
young  people  at  the  age  of  15  feel  digitally  disengaged,  and  Europe-wide  8%  of  that  age 
group lack digital confidence.  

On a global level, the situation is even worse: 1.3 billion children aged 3 to 17 years old are 
estimated not to have an internet connection in their homes59. Digital deprivation in childhood 
can result in a lack of digital skills and digital confidence in adult life and reinforce the digital 
divide.  

Lack of active participation  

Children are no longer passive  consumers of technology, but can actively use technology to 
express  themselves  and  influence  the  world  around  them.  Children  should  be  listened  to 
more and included in the development and evaluation of digital products and services and 
digital policies. 

58 DigiGen website. 
59 UNICEF and ITU (2020) How Many Children and Youth Have internet Access at Home? 

8 

 
 
                                                           
4.  The vision for a digital decade for children and youth  

Our vision: Age appropriate digital services, with no one left behind and with every 
child in Europe protected, empowered and respected online. 

BIK+,  a  flagship  initiative  of  the  European  Year  of  Youth  2022,  proposes  actions  around 
three pillars:  

1.  safe digital experiences to protect children from harmful and illegal online content, 
conduct, contact and consumer risks and to improve their well-being online through 
a safe, age-appropriate digital  environment,  created in  a way that respects children’s 
best interests; 

2.  digital  empowerment  so  children  acquire  the  necessary  skills  and  competences  to 
make  sound  choices  and  express  themselves  in  the  online  environment  safely  and 
responsibly; 

3.  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. 

The  implementation  of  BIK+  requires  evidence-based  policy  making  and  cooperation  and 
coordination at European and international level. In recent years the UN, UNICEF, the OECD 
and the Council of Europe, and child rights NGOs have all addressed children’s rights in the 
digital environment60. 

5.  How to deliver: pillars and actions  

The  new  actions  listed  below  will  build  on  and  reinforce  the  Commission’s  existing  BIK 
infrastructure as described above.  

5.1. Safe digital experiences (How to better protect children online) 

‘We all know young people are on those platforms, many times without parent 
permission. If I know it, platforms and companies know it.’ – a Spanish teacher61 

The Commission will facilitate a  comprehensive EU code of conduct on age-appropriate 
design, building on the new rules in the DSA and in line with the AVMSD and GDPR. The 
code aims to ensure the privacy, safety and security of children when using digital products 
and services. This process will involve industry, policymakers, civil society and children.  

The  added  value  of  such  a  code  would  be  its  co-regulatory  nature.  Under  the  DSA,  the 
Commission  may  invite  providers  of  very  large  online  platforms  to  participate  in  codes  of 

60 UN, General Comment No. 25. 
UN, Sustainable Development Goals. 
UNICEF, manifesto on children’s data governance. 
OECD, Recommendation of the Council on Children in the Digital Environment. 
Council  of  Europe,  Recommendation  on  Guidelines  to  Respect,  Protect  and  Fulfil  the  Rights  of  the  Child  in  the  Digital 
Environment, CM/Rec(2018)7. 
61 Teacher consulted for the consultation: How to make Europe’s Digital Decade fit for children and young people?. 

9 

 
 
                                                           
conduct  and  ask  them  to  commit  themselves  to  take  specific  risk  mitigation  measures,  to  
address  specific  risks  or  harms  identified,  via  adherence  to  a  particular  code  of  conduct. 
Although  participation  in  such  codes  of  conduct  remains  voluntary,  any  commitments 
undertaken  by  the  providers  of  very  large  online  platform  shall  be  subject  to  independent 
audits.  

Industry  carries  a  significant  responsibility.  They  have  the  tools  to  create  products  that  by 
default and by design are easy to use, safe and private. All digital products and services likely 
to  be  used  by  children  should  therefore  respect  fair  and  basic  design  features  that  embed 
European  values,  as  enshrined 
the  DSA.  For  example,  age-appropriate,  easily 
understandable  and  accessible  information,  such  as  terms  and  conditions,  instructions  and 
warnings, and simple mechanisms to report harm should accompany all products and services 
likely to be used by children. All involved in digital design should understand the potentially 
harmful impact on children of design and development choices62 as well as possible risks and 
harms, such as grooming, arising from children’s use of different digital services.  

in 

Building on ongoing work63 and taking account of the new  DSA rules for online platforms, 
the  Commission  will  support  methods  to  prove  age  in  a  privacy-preserving  and  secure 
manner, to be recognised EU-wide. The Commission will work with Member States64 (who in 
line  with  national  legislation  can  choose  to  issue  electronic  IDs  to  the  under-18s  under  the 
recent  proposal  on  a  European  Digital  Identity),  relevant  stakeholders  and  European 
standardisation organisations to strengthen effective age verification methods, as a priority. 
This work will encourage market solutions through a robust framework of certification and 
interoperability.  

Beyond age verification for accessing certain online content, the Commission will include in 
the code of conduct for online providers to be set up under the gender equality strategy 2020-
2025,  a  section  targeting  adult-only  content,  aiming  in  particular to  combat  the  sharing  of 
non-consensual  intimate  images,  whether  authentic  or  manipulated,  which  might  also 
involve children – although not only.  

Despite current actions, cyberbullying remains the most reported topic to the SIC helplines in 
the last decade. The existing 116 111 number is specially reserved for child helplines in the 
EU. Cyberbullying and other online problems can be addressed via this number, or directly by 
the SIC helplines. The strategy will make the  support offered by SICs more visible through 
enhanced cooperation around 116 111 and related online services (e.g. helpline apps) which 
should be also  accessible for children in vulnerable situations. In addition, an ad hoc expert 
group  will  provide  policy  recommendations  related  to  (cyber)bullying  and  well-being  at 
school65. 

62  For  example,  the proposed  AI  Act  obliges  providers of  high-risk  AI  applications  to  assess  and mitiate  risks  before  they 
place their systems on the market, taking specifically into consideration as to whether the system is likely to be accessed by 
or have an impact on children (Article 9(8) of the AI Act). 
63  euCONSENT  is  a  EU  funded  pilot  project  aiming  to  design  and  test  an  interoperable  solution  for  age  verification  and 
parental consent. 
64 Primarily through the safer internet for children expert group. 
65 Communication on achieving the European Education Area by 2025, COM(2020) 625 final  

10 

 
 
                                                           
The EU co-funded safer internet helplines and hotlines66 will continue to assist the public, in 
particular children, when confronted with harmful and illegal content. If granted the status of 
‘trusted  flaggers’  under  the  conditions  of  the  DSA,  they  will  be  able  to  contribute  to  a 
swifter  assessment  of  and  action  upon  notifications  of  illegal  content  online.  Examples  of 
such  content  are  child  sexual  abuse  material,  and  racist  and  xenophobic  hate  speech  in  line 
with the code of conduct on countering illegal hate speech online, including antisemitic hate 
speech as set out by the EU strategy on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life67. 

The  Commission  will  coordinate  and  promote  exchanges  of  good  practice  among  EU 
authorities  and  the  Member  States  about  the  enforcement  of  consumer  law  in  respect  of 
children. The Commission will also map research into the impact of neuro-marketing on 
children  in  order  to  assist  national  consumer  authorities  to  better  assess  how  commercial 
influencing  techniques  may  be  unfair  on  children.    This  knowledge  will  be  used  for  the 
coordinated  enforcement  activities  to  be  carried  out  under  the  Consumer  Protection 
Cooperation Regulation68.  

The Commission will: 

  encourage  and  facilitate  the  design  of  a  comprehensive  EU  code  of  conduct  on  age-

appropriate design building on the framework provided in the DSA, by 2024; 

 

issue  a  standardisation  request  for  a  European  standard  on  online  age  assurance  /  age 
verification in the context of the eID proposal, from 2023; 

  support the development of an EU-wide recognised digital proof of age based on date of 

birth within the framework of the eID proposal, from 2024; 

 

include  a  focus  on  adult-only  content  in  the  planned  code  of  conduct  under  the  gender 
equality strategy 2020-2025;  

  ensure that the 116 111 harmonised number addresses cyberbullying, in cooperation with 

the EU co-funded SIC helplines, by 2023; 

  co-fund the safer internet helplines and hotlines in the EU including those recognised in 
the future as ‘trusted flaggers’ under the DSA, to assist the public, in particular children, 
when confronted with harmful and illegal content, from 2022; 

  share  the  recommendations  related  to  (cyber)bullying  from  the  expert  group  for 

supporting well-being at school, from 2023; 

  map existing research on the impact of neuro-marketing on children by the end of 2022, to 
support  coordinated  enforcement  activities  carried  out  under  the  Consumer  Protection 
Cooperation Regulation, from 2023.   

The Commission invites Member States to: 

66 DIGITAL Europe Work Programme 2021-2022. 
67 EU strategy on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life (2021-2030), COM/2021/615 final. 
68 Consumer Protection Cooperation Regulation, (EU) 2017/2394. 

11 

 
 
                                                           
  support effective age-verification methods, in line with the eID proposal; 

  support,  including  with  trained  staff,  the  harmonised  number  116  111  to  address 

cyberbullying. 

The Commission invites industry to: 

  consistently  assess  and  address  specific  risks  to  children  emerging  from  the  use  of  their 

products and services including safety risks, as well as relevant marketing practices; 

  contribute and commit to a comprehensive EU code of conduct on age-appropriate design, 
as well as the section on adult-only content in the code of conduct to be set up under the 
gender equality strategy 2020-2025; 

  effectively  implement  measures  on  access  to  age-restricted  content,  including  adult-

content websites and 18+ games, in line with national and European rules;  

  cooperate with trusted flaggers to swiftly assess and take down illegal content and act on 

notification of harmful content; 

  allow academic researchers access to relevant data and information on opportunities and 

risks for children in full compliance with data protection rules. 

5.2. Digital empowerment (How to better empower children to make sound choices 

online) 

‘Children  have  been  handed  a  complex  tool  without  an  instruction  manual’69  –  a 
Portuguese child. 

The  Commission’s  Digital  Decade  sets  ambitious  targets  of  80%  of  the  adult  population  to 
have  basic  digital  skills  and  20  million  employed  ICT  specialists  by  203070.  To  that  end, 
children should acquire digital skills from an early age onwards. For example the EU Code 
Week71 helps children understand how algorithms and the digital world work.  

While most EU Member States have developed strategies for developing digital skills (either 
as  a  cross  curricular  topic  or  as  a  separate  subject)  few  undertake  regular  monitoring  and 
evaluation to assess the impact and review these strategies. The Commission is working on a 
proposal  for  a  Council  Recommendation  on  improving  the  provision  of  digital  skills  in 
education72 
to  promote  a  common  understanding,  mobilise  cross-national  political 
engagement, promote peer learning and mutual exchange and encourage investments. 

Keeping  an  up-to-date  knowledge  base  and  monitoring  the  impact  of  the  digital 
transformation on children’s well-being is essential for this and future generations of children 
in the EU. 

69 Child consulted for the consultation: How to make Europe’s Digital Decade fit for children and young people?. 
70  2030  Digital  Compass:  the  European  way  for  the  Digital  Decade,  COM/2021/118  final;  target  based  on  The  European 
Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan. 
71  EU Code Week is a grassroot initiative that brings coding and digital literacy to everybody in a fun and engaging way. 
72 Digital Education Action Plan – Action 10. 

12 

 
 
                                                           
Digital literacy (or lack of it) starts early in life. Media literacy73 skills are crucial for children 
to understand and navigate the information they access online, to identify online risks such as 
mis/disinformation, scams and fraud, and hidden advertising, and to participate actively and 
responsibly in the digital economy, society, and in democratic processes.  

Teachers’  feedback  during  the  Commission’s  consultations  highlighted  difficulties  in 
involving  colleagues.  Reasons  cited  included  that  there  is  not  sufficient  awareness,  many 
teachers lack the required knowledge, skills and confidence, and it is difficult to keep up to 
date with continuous technological development. Teacher training, promotion of trustworthy 
resources  and  more  campaigns  targetting  parents  and  carers  are  needed.  Training  on 
children’s  rights  online  should  also  be  included  in  these  initiatives  to  create  a  stronger 
awareness  that children’s  rights  online are the same  as offline, as  stipulated by  UN General 
Comment No. 25.  

BIK+,  via  the  betterinternetforkids.eu  platform  (‘BIK  portal’)  and  the  SICs  network,  can 
support the development of teacher modules (e.g. Massive Open Online Course – ‘MOOC’) 
for different age groups with lessons on media literacy, online safety, consumer risks online, 
personal data, cyberbullying, mental well-being, harmful sterotypes, the misrepresentation of 
sex in pornography, digital consent and respect, and gamification74 in teaching75.  

Exchange  of  good  practices  among  the  Member  States  will  be  coordinated  and  promoted 
under the Structured Dialogue on digital education and skills76 and relevant Expert Groups. 

BIK+  will  support  large-scale  media  literacy  campaigns,  to  reach  children,  families  and 
teachers, harnessing existing national and European multipliers such as schools, civil society 
organisations, and industry. Children, and where appropriate parents and teachers, should be 
involved  to  make  the  approaches  more  age-appropriate  and  allow  cross-generational 
exchanges on the creative and responsible use of digital technologies, increasing awareness 
risks for children as young consumers, and regarding the use of personal data. 

In  addition,  the  Commission  is  working  with  the  OECD  on  the  development  of  a  financial 
competence  framework  for  children77,  to  be  released  by  end  2022  which  will  include  the 
essential financial skills children need in the digital world.  

The  BIK+  strategy  will  complement  and  work  in  synergy  with  the  digital  education  action 
plan,  for  example  through  promoting  the  national  SICs  as  a  one-stop-shop  for  reliable  and 
age-appropriate information and support, tailored to national needs  in formal and informal 
education.  The  Commission  will  continue  to  share  and  promote  resources  available  to  the 
general public through the BIK portal, and encourage the outreach work of the SICs and other 

73  AVMSD  recital  59:  ‘Media  literacy’  refers  to  skills,  knowledge  and  understanding  that  allow  citizens  to  use  media 
effectively and safely. … Media literacy should not be limited to learning about tools and technologies, but should aim to 
equip  citizens  with  the  critical  thinking  skills  required  to  exercise  judgment,  analyse  complex  realities  and  recognise  the 
difference between opinion and fact.  
74 See example of Happy Online game. 
75 Relevant modules will be in line with the Common guidelines for teachers and educators on tackling disinformation  and 
promoting digital literacy developed under the Digital education action plan. 
76 Commission press corner. 
77 Financial literacy 

13 

 
 
                                                           
actors, so that children can learn, in a variety of settings from sports clubs to schools, to show 
digital respect.  

Peer-to-peer learning, co-creation, and the example of BIK Youth Ambassadors and BIK 
Youth  Panels  will be  promoted as  good practice for educational  approaches  in  the EU and 
beyond.  

To  support  all  children,  the  digital  environment  must  be  diverse,  inclusive,  non-
discriminatory  and  free  of  stereotypes.  Objective,  age-appropriate  online  information  on 
sex  and  gender  should  be  available  to  children.  Diversity  and  gender  awareness  should  be 
supported for ICT professionals, to better understand the specific needs of girls, young users 
with  disabilities  and  children  in  other  vulnerable  situations.  Positive  role  models  for  girls  – 
underrepresented  in  ICT  –  should  be  encouraged  and  equal  opportunities  for  boys  and  girls 
ensured.  Industry  should  provide  an  inclusive  environment  for  all,  and  children  with 
disabilities should be able to play, learn and interact online. 

To  benefit  from  digital  opportunities,  children  need  a  reliable  and  affordable  internet 
connection, and suitable digital devices. The connectivity targets of the Digital Decade and 
the digital principles, and significant EU investment and funding all address connectivity for 
homes  and  schools;  the  universal  service  provisions  of  the  electronic  communications  code 
requires affordability of connectivity services78. Member State actions under Pillar 20 of the 
European  Pillar  of  Social  Rights    address  affordability  of  ‘essential  services’  including 
electronic  communications.  The  Council  Recommendation  establishing  a  European  Child 
Guarantee  recommends  that  Member  States  ‘provide  …  adequate  equipment  necessary  for 
distance learning’ [and] ‘make the necessary investment to tackle all forms of digital divide’.  

To reach all children, the Commission will pay careful attention to children with special or 
specific needs, or from disadvantaged and vulnerable backgrounds. For example migrants 
and EU citizens with a migrant background often face obstacles in accessing digital courses 
and services, including because of a lack of the digital skills to use these services7980. Children 
at risk of poverty and social exclusion, children with a migrant or Roma background and other 
children particularly exposed to discrimination and segregation81, children whose parents do 
not  have  basic  digital  skills,  children  with  disabilities,  children  in  care  settings,  all  have 
specific needs. Initiatives must focus on gender balance, so both girls and boys acquire digital 
skills from an early age. Effectiveness should be measured and best practice identified. 

BIK+ will contribute by expanding the scope of work of SICs to help address the digital 
divide,  particularly  in  imparting  digital  skills  to  vulnerable  groups.  SICs  may  support 
relevant programmes at national and EU level.  

78 Directive (EU) 2018/1972 establishing the European Electronic Communications Code 
79 Action plan on Integration and Inclusion 2021-2027, COM/2020/758 final. 
80  8.1%  of  people  born  outside  the  EU  report  they  cannot  afford  a  computer,  compared  to  3.1%  among  those  born  in  the 
reporting country, Eurostat, EU-SILC (2018 data). Parents from migrant households may have more difficulties in supporting 
their children in remote learning when they do not master the school language. 
81A Union of Equality: EU Roma strategic framework for equality, inclusion and participation, COM/2020/620 final. 

14 

 
 
                                                           
The Commission will: 

  support the monitoring of the impact of the digital transformation on children’s well-being 

by Member States, industry and academics via the BIK portal, from 2023; 

  develop  and  distribute  teaching  modules  (MOOCs)  for  teachers  via  the  BIK  portal  and 

SICs, 2023/2024; 

  promote the exchange of good practices for national curricula on media literacy between 
Member  States  and  amongst  schools  and  educators  across  the  EU,  under  the  Structured 
Dialogue on digital education and skills and through relevant expert groups, from 202282; 

  organise  media  literacy  campaigns  targeting  children,  teachers,  parents  and  carers,  via 

multipliers, from 2022; 

  develop  awareness  raising  tools  and  activities  on  the  risks  facing  children  as  young 

consumers, with the support of the BIK portal and the SICs, from 2022; 

  strengthen  the  support  of  the  SICs  in  Member  States  to  provide  children  in  vulnerable 
situations with non-formal education and training, to address the digital divide, from 2022. 

The Commission invites the Member States to: 

  monitor of the impact of the digital transformation on children’s well-being; 

  exchange good practices under the Structured dialogue on digital education and skills and 

relevant expert groups;  

  promote SICs as a one-stop-shop for trustworthy resources on media literacy and online 

safety for children, their families and teachers; 

  make the necessary investment to tackle all forms of digital divide, in line with European 
Child  Guarantee,  including  with  the  support  of  European  funds  and  in  particular  the 
European regional and development fund (ERDF). 

The Commission invites industry to: 

  monitor the impact of the digital transformation on children’s well-being; 

 

invest in skills to increase awareness on children’s diverse needs, fight stereotypes and to 
ensure digital accessibility in product development. 

5.3. Active Participation (How to respect children’s views) 

‘I’m in favour of young people having a greater say by 2030. It is our generation who 
has grown up with the online world’ – an Austrian BIK Youth Ambassador.  

Children  are  active  citizens.  As  agents  of  change  they  increasingly  use  social  media  to 
mobilise and advocate for their goals, e.g. the School Strike for Climate movement. The BIK+ 
strategy  welcomes  this  development,  and  recognises  the  importance  of  respecting  and 

82 Depending on Structural dialogue. 

15 

 
 
 
                                                           
including children’s opinions in shaping the Digital Decade. Children should be supported in 
developing  and  practising  citizenship  skills  in  public  policy  and  political  debates  and  enjoy 
their right to assembly and association via online social platforms. Nonetheless, research has 
shown that there is room for increasing online activities associated with creativity and digital 
citizenship83.  It  concludes  that  today’s  children  risk  being  underrepresented  in  policy 
decision-making processes, leading to unfulfilled needs and unmet expectations84.  

BIK+  therefore  acknowledges  it  is  important  to  actively  involve  children  in  all  their 
diversity in shaping the digital environment, as the under-18s have a unique insight into a 
digital childhood. 

Under  the  rights  of  the  child  strategy,  the  Commission  committed  to  strengthen  child 
participation through the establishment of a new EU Children’s Participation Platform.85 
In  synergy  with  this  platform,  BIK+  will  encourage  child-led  activities  so  children  engage 
positively and critically in the digital environment on topics relevant for the young generation 
such as cybersecurity, ethics, and sustainable development.  

Under  BIK+,  children’s  input  on  digital  topics  will  be  strengthened,  in  particular  towards 
industry. Building on existing initiatives such as BIK Youth Ambassadors, BIK Youth Panels 
and  the  BIK  Youth  Pledge  for  a  better  internet,  the  Commission  will  strengthen  child-led 
activities. 

BIK+  will  further  encourage  youth  participation,  also  within  the  Member  States.  For 
example, local schemes can recognise peer-to-peer trainers.  

A  child-friendly  version  of  the  BIK+  strategy  will  be  provided  in  line  with  the  guidelines 
developed under the rights of the child strategy86. 

The Commission will also involve children in monitoring the implementation of BIK+. 

The Commission will: 

 

 

involve  children  in  the  creation  of  the  EU  Code  of  conduct  on  age-appropriate  design 
mentioned in pillar 1, from 2023; 

launch  a  child-initiated  and  child-led  action  on  a  digitally  relevant  topic  for  the  young 
generation, in synergy with the EU Children’s Participation Platform, from 2023; 

  expand  the  role  of  BIK  Youth  Ambassadors  and  BIK  Youth  Panels  to  support  peer-to-

peer activities at national, regional and local level, from 2022; 

  create a child-friendly version of BIK+ Strategy, 2022; 

  organise a child-led evaluation of the BIK+ Strategy, every 2 years. 

83 Eukids Online 2020. 
84 Is there a ladder of children’s online participation? Findings from three Global Kids Online countries, Innocenti Research 
Briefs No. 2019-02. 
85 EU strategy on the rights of the child, COM/2021/142 final 
86 Guide on creating child-friendly versions of written documents. 

16 

 
 
                                                           
The Commission invites Member States to: 

  support peer-to-peer training and child-to-adult teaching on digital; 

  engage an inclusive range of youth ambassadors to contribute to digital policies at local, 

regional and national level. 

The Commission invites industry to: 

  consult  and actively involve  children systematically in  the development  and deployment 

of their digital products and services;   

  co-create with children of different ages and backgrounds child-friendly communication, 

including terms and conditions, about their digital products and services; 

  develop  inclusive87  products  and  services  that  promote  children’s  right  to  express 

themselves and facilitate their participation in public life. 

6.  International outreach and cooperation  

Online  protection  and  digital  empowerment  are  global  challenges  that  transcend  national 
borders and jurisdictions. In spring 2021, the United Nations Committee on the rights of the 
child  issued  guidance  on  how to  effectively implement the  UN Convention on the  rights  of 
the  child  and  its  Optional  Protocols  in  its  general  comment  No.  25  to  explicitly  address 
children’s rights in the digital environment.  

Through the Global Gateway88, the EU will strengthen connections between Europe and the 
world and help partner countries address the digital divide and further integrate into the global 
digital ecosystem. 

Joining  forces  allows  us  to  address  these  global  issues  effectively  and  efficiently,  and  to 
promote  European  values  by  setting  high  safety  standards  and  promoting  children’s 
empowerment  and  active  participation  in  the  digital  decade  across  the  world,  while 
contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. 

One  case  in  point  is  the  fight  against  child  sexual  abuse.  In  line  with  the  EU  Strategy  on  a 
more  effective  fight  against  child  sexual  abuse,  the  Commission  has  been  working  closely 
with  technology  companies  under  the  umbrella  of  the  EU  Internet  Forum89  and  cooperates 
with  civil  society  organisations,  and  international  and  regional  organisations  via  the 
WeProtect  Global  Alliance  to  End  Child  Sexual  Exploitation  Online.  The  Commission  has 
also supported global efforts for years through funding for the INHOPE network of hotlines 
present  in  46  countries.  This  work will  continue and should  accelerate under the legislation 
proposed with the present Strategy.  

87 For example: diverse role models, products and services accessible for children with disabilities. 
88 Joint Communication ‘The Global Gateway’, JOIN/2021/30 final 
89 Launched by the European Commission in 2015, The EU Internet Forum brings together representatives from technology 
companies,  the  EU  Member  States  and  the  Commission  to  address  the  misuse  of  the  internet  for terrorist  purposes  and  to 
enhance the fight against child sexual abuse. 

17 

 
 
 
                                                           
The  Commission  will  continue  to  share  experiences,  expertise  and  values  with 
international  organisations  and  partners,  and  to  support  a  common  approach  towards 
digital  rights  for  children  worldwide,  for  example  encouraging  relevant  technical  standards, 
metrics, definitions and approaches. 

The annual Safer Internet Forum90 will take stock of international developments and exchange 
best practices. With the SICs, existing mentoring and exchange schemes outside the EU will 
be strengthened, and international celebrations on Safer Internet Day will continue.  

The upcoming youth action plan in EU external action will strengthen the key role of young 
people in the digital transition, and will support safe digital environments that promote child 
and youth participation and empowerment. 

The  Comission  will  promote  the  BIK+  strategy  in  its  relations  with  other  international 
organisations  and  partner  countries  with  the  ambition  of  guiding  international  partners 
towards a digital transformation with a child rights-based approach. 

7.  Conclusions 

‘Our  Union  will  be  stronger  if  it  is  more  like  our  next  generation:  reflective, 
determined and caring. Grounded in values and bold in action’91. 

In  announcing  the  European  Year  of  Youth,  President  von  der  Leyen  encouraged  young 
people  to  become  actors  of  change.  The  BIK+  strategy  offers  them  a  voice  in  the  digital 
sphere as well as enhanced measures for their digital well-being, skills and safety. 

A safe, secure and trusted digital environment is a cornerstone of the EU. The Commission is 
fully committed to supporting children’s protection, empowerment and respect in the digital 
transformation. 

Building on the foundation of the 2012 strategy, the BIK+ strategy pays particular attention to 
the opportunities and risks online for children in situations of vulnerability. All children will 
be better equipped to thrive online, and to enjoy more age-appropriate experiences. 

This  BIK+  strategy  reflects  the  contributions  of  a  wide  range  of  views,  primarily  those  of 
children. Children will be involved in its implementation and monitoring. Its success relies on 
cooperation between the Commission, Member States, and key partners such as industry, civil 
society and international organisations, to deliver concrete solutions for a better and healthy 
use of internet for children and young people.  

The  Commission  will  monitor  the  strategy  every  two  years,  also  with  children,  and  will 
publish a report online92.  

90 Safer Internet Forum webpage. 
91 State of the Union speech 2021 
92 The existing Better internet for Kids Policy Map ‘BIK map tool’ will be adapted to the BIK+ strategy. 

18 

 
 
                                                           
The Commission invites the European Parliament and the Council to endorse the strategy and 
work together on its implementation. The Commission calls on the Committee of the Regions 
and  the  European  Economic  and  Social  Committee  to  promote  dialogue  with  local  and 
regional authorities, economic and social parties and civil society. 

Everybody has the responsibility to listen to children and to act now. As Yevgeny,  Lili 
and João for the #DigitalDecade4YOUth Youth Advisory Group stated: ’It is now up to policy 
makers  and  other  stakeholders  to  take  up  the  challenge….  [so]  we,  as  children  and  young 
people, feel we are all working together to make the digital world a better and safer place.’  

19