Accelerating valuable use of technology – Network of Safer Internet Centers

• June 2, 2023
• neelam

The initiative is funded by the Digital Europe Programme (DIGITAL). The aim is to create a well-established European network of Safer Internet Centers (SICS). With a view to providing security online by offering information, educational resources, tools to raise public awareness, advice and reporting services. SICS will also offer special helplines and hotlines for children and adolescents, carers, teachers and other professionals working with children. To help build trust in the digital transformation by supporting the implementation of better internet for children (BIK +).

The activities carried out by SICS will help minors to address online risks and to become media literate, resilient, digital citizens. It will also allow citizens to anonymously report online child sexual abuse material (CSAM). This call will support the implementation of the Better Internet for Kids (BIK +) strategy and the broader EU legal framework for the protection of children online.

What is expected:

• National SICS as a contact point for reliable and age-appropriate information.
• Digital literacy in Member States and associated countries in formal and informal educational settings (e.g. youth participation activities, workshops, classroom visits, competitions, peer-to-peer activities);
• Support for parents, carers, teachers, educators and other professionals working with children to better understand the risks and opportunities for children to access digital content and services (e.g. information sessions, educators’ programmes, online and offline materials);
• Up-to-date information to local, national and European stakeholders on emerging risks through the helpline.
• Access to resources and services for public authorities, including law enforcement authorities, and exchange with hotline analysts to develop better prevention measures and to remove child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
• Increased cooperation between the private sector with SICS.

The SICS may consist of one or more non-governmental organisations, governmental bodies/agencies, private organisations, including SMEs, and international organisations. The duration of the project is 18 months.

The funding will ensure the continuation of the well-established European network of
national SICS, by enabling the awarded consortia to provide at least:

• An awareness centre
• A helpline
• A direct line
• Youth Panel

The deadline for the application is 23 September 2023. For more detailed information on the application, please read here.