Debate: The new European strategy for a better internet for kids
Date: THURSDAY, 5 OCTOBER 2023
Speaker: Dubravka Šuica
Language: EN

This is why it was so important to revise and reinforce our Better Internet for Kids strategy, which was first adopted in 2012. The new Better Internet for Kids+ strategy, presented by Commissioner Breton and myself in May last year during the European Year of Youth 2022, addressed the multifaceted challenges of the digital era with children’s best interests at its heart. As you already said, the strategy has three key objectives: first, a safe, age-appropriate digital environment; second, digital empowerment; and third, the active participation of children. With regard to a safe digital environment for kids, the Digital Services Act put new rules in place for the digital world with strong provisions to protect minors. Targeted advertising based on profiling towards children is no longer permitted. In addition, we are launching the development of a code of conduct for age-appropriate design in spring 2024, ensuring that digital services and content is tailored and suitable for children. The co-funded network of Safer Internet Centres, which are the backbone of Better Internet for Kids+, operate in nearly all Member States, offering localised resources and helplines. At national and local level, the network organises campaigns and activities fostering digital skills and confidence. Last year, Safer Internet Centres visited over 12 000 schools across Europe, supporting teachers with their expertise. The Safer Internet Centres should be seen as one-stop shops for child online safety. They are a very valuable asset and we encourage the Member States to promote them as such. This network is helping us gather evidence on how industry implements – you asked about the industry – how industry implements the Digital Service Act provisions on protection of minors. In 2022 last year, the network of Safer Internet Centres and the Better Internet for Kids platform reached more than 31 million European citizens. As every child matters and no child should be left behind, we are directing these centres to focus on children with special needs from disadvantaged and vulnerable backgrounds and we will measure this outreach. Upcoming features on the Better Internet for Kids platform include a parent space and the Teacher Corner. This will help us raise a digitally literate and informed population. But there is more: the Better Internet for Kids strategy goes hand in hand with the Digital Education Action Plan, which presents a strategic vision for an effective and high-quality digital education for all. In this vein, I would like to recall the Commission’s two proposals for Council recommendations. The first one on key enablers for effective digital education and training, and second one on improving the provisions of digital skills through education and training. Whatever technology and devices children use in the coming years, the European Union needs up-to-date knowledge on the trends, risks, but also on opportunities these present. It is key to continue to invest in European research, as we have done in the past. Under the ‘Safer Internet’ programmes, we started ‘EU Kids Online’, which has since become a global standard for research in the field. We also set up CO:RE, a knowledge platform which offers publications and studies from across Europe on children’s digital lives. We are now exploring funding opportunities to carry out new research, including pan-European surveys. In addition, Better Internet for Kids+ knowledge hub and the Better Internet for Kids platform will allow easy access to evidence and practical insights on how the digital transformation is affecting children. We cannot discuss the Better Internet for Kids without mentioning the role of young people. Last year, over 470 events were organised throughout Europe by the Safer Internet Centres with youth participation, including peer-to-peer learning and intergenerational learning. Young people will also help shape the code of conduct of Better Internet for Kids+ and monitor the implementation of the strategy. As announced in the Rights of the Child strategy, the European Children’s Participation Platform is now up and it is running in partnership with the European Parliament and child rights organisations. This platform will systematically involve children and young people in decision-making. And finally, if we want children to exercise their rights, they must be able to understand the language we use. The child-friendly version of Better Internet for Kids+ is available in European languages and in Ukrainian language and a child-friendly explanation of the Digital Service Act will soon follow. So, this is for the beginning. I listen to your comments and maybe I have some more replies.