The interactive character of the Internet empowers its users with new means of influence, involvement and participation. Many children have embraced the medium and take active part in online communities. Anni Marquard, manager of the cyber house project, sees great potential in the Internet for children’s general education and awareness of societal processes.

"The number of young people taking active part in society has increased with the rise of the Internet. The children have their own forums where they practice, and gradually as they grow up, they join new forums that make larger demands to written language and the ability to communicate and discuss. Also, the Internet increases the information level on a general basis so that children and young people become more informed about society in general."

The feeling of ownership and involvement, active participation and influence is a precondition for active citizenship. And in online environments, such as Cyberhus.dk, children learn the necessary skills to be active citizens as adults. 

If one enters the 'Cyber Forum' in the 'living room' of Cyberhus.dk, one meets a lively and serious discussion about topics such as handicaps, the adult media debate about Danish chat rooms and parents with cancer.  According to Anni Marquard, the most important function of the discussion forum is to give the children the feeling that it is their own medium:

"The discussion forum gives the children the sense of ownership of the site. It is important to be able to express one’s opinions. They use the debate forum to express their feelings, talk about feelings and to give other children response on their contributions. It is a digital growing up and making out oneself."

All discussion plays in the 'Cyber forum' are checked by Cyberhus.dk’s adult staff in order to secure decent communication. But it is an open forum in which the children set the agenda. They give and ask for advice to and from other children, they express their views and opinions freely.