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Safer Internet Day 2009
Children today dive into the world of internet and mobile technologies very early and often become fully-fledged technology-savvy, web-surfing teenagers. Because these technologies help them study and give them exciting new ways to socialise with others, they are often faster to use them than their parents. We need to make sure that whenever they use online or mobile services, they can recognise potential risks and deal with them. |
The European Union has therefore funded activities at national and European levels to promote the safer use of the Internet and other online technologies since 1999. A new Safer Internet Programme has been just been adopted for the period 2009-2013 with a budget of 55 million euro.
The Commission is aiming, through its Safer Internet Programme, at empowering youngsters online, providing them with the information, skills and tools to deal with risks online. At national level this is done with the help of the INSAFE network of awareness raising centres, and helplines.
In addition, the Commission encourages industry to improve the safety of their services for children. An agreement on child safety has already been signed by mobile operators in the EU in 2007, while major social networks active in Europe signed on Safer Internet Day 2009 a document to prove their commitment to the same goal.
Also on Safer Internet Day 2009 the European Commission launched a video clip to inform and empower teenagers on cyberbullying. Existing research indicates that cyberbullying (being harassed on internet sites or via mobile messages) is a risk many young people face during their online experiences. The video clip features a young girl who is being bullied online, but takes control by reporting this to her social networking site. This pan-European campaign will cover all EU Member States, Iceland and Norway as part of the activities of the Safer Internet programme.
As patron of Safer Internet Day I’d like to thank you for your interest in Safer Internet Day and remind you that online safety is a subject that concerns us all, everyday of the year. Young people across Europe spend a good part of their leisure time interacting and learning in this wonderful world we know as the web. It is our responsibility as Europeans to make it a safe environment that everyone can enjoy.
| Author: |
Viviane Reding, EU Commissioner for Information Society and Media |
| Published: |
Thursday, 12 Feb 2009 |
| Last changed: |
Tuesday, 31 Mar 2009 |
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