Better Internet for Kids

Better Internet for Kids (BIK) is a European Commission-funded initiative aiming to create a better internet for Europe’s children and youth. The BIK core service platform and related activities are managed by European Schoolnet, coordinating the Insafe network of awareness centres, helplines and youth panels, in partnership with INHOPE (International Association of Internet Hotlines), dedicated to the removal of illegal online content. These combined strands are commonly referred to as Safer Internet Centres, operating in EU Member States, Iceland, Norway and the UK to keep children and youth safe online. Insafe and INHOPE work together through a network of SICs across Europe: •National awareness centres raise awareness of safer internet issues and run campaigns to empower children, youth, parents, carers and teachers with the skills and strategies to stay safe online and take advantage of online opportunities. •Helplines provide information and assistance to children, youth and parents on how to deal with harmful content, harmful contact (e.g. grooming) and harmful conduct (e.g. cyberbullying or sexting). They can be accessed via various means: telephone, email, web forms, Skype, online chat services. •Hotlines allow members of the public to report illegal content anonymously. Reports are passed on to the appropriate body for action (an internet service provider or law enforcement agency in the country, or corresponding INHOPE Hotline). •Youth panels allow young people to exchange views and experiences about their use of online technologies. They also help create innovative resources and disseminate eSafety messages to their peers. The BIK initiative also collaborates with other stakeholders – parents and carers, teachers and educators, researchers, industry, decision-makers and law enforcement – we all have a role to play in creating a better internet. Follow our work at www.betterinternetforkids.eu.