European Commission
Protecting minors online and empowering them with relevant skills is a key priority in the EU. The Digital Services Act (DSA) is the world first instrument addressing issues such as cyberbullying, illegal content and the simplification of terms and conditions. Already in place for Very Large Online Platforms and Very Large Online Search Engines since last year, the DSA rules will apply to all platforms as of 17 February 2024.
Supporting implementation of the Digital Services Act (DSA), the European strategy for a better internet for kids (BIK+) aims for age-appropriate digital services and contributes to ensuring that every child is safe, empowered and respected online. As technology advances rapidly, the Commission has also made new resources available via the Better Internet for Kids portal for children to stay safe and empowered in virtual worlds.
In addition, the Commission also aims to better protect children in their school environment by helping teachers to become "DSA school guardians" which will provide them with training and information material to help pupils in case of online concerns. In this context, the Commission has published a booklet available in all EU official languages explaining in simple words how the DSA will support a fairer and safer online world for minors.
Vice-President for Democracy and Demography, Dubravka Šuica, said: “The time children spend online almost doubled between 2010 and 2020. They learn, play, interact and express themselves online. While the internet opens unprecedented opportunities for children and young people, it also presents risks. Through the new Better Internet for Kids Strategy, the digital arm of the EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child, we foster digital literacy and work to ensure that the rights of every child are respected, protected online, just as much as offline.”
Commissioner for Internal Market, Thierry Breton, said: “Safer Internet Day is a landmark event in our online safety calendar. Together with the DSA and the Better Internet for Kids strategy, we have built a toolbox to empower and protect children online across the EU. We strive to foster a safer and more responsible use of technology by children, where their rights apply online as they apply offline”.
For the 21st edition of Safer Internet Day, Commissioner Breton recorded a video message here.