BIK+ Strategy

Better Internet for Kids (BIK) platform, Phase 5: EU Coordination

The objectives of BIK Phase 5 is to first continue to coordinate and support at EU level the national child online safety activities of the network of Safer Internet Centres (SICs) and through the BIK Platform. And also to design and run awareness campaigns to empower children against manipulative online marketing practices, especially against those specifically targeting children.

👉 More information: https://www.betterinternetforkids.eu/mediasmartonline

Tasks:

  1. Survey the Insafe network of Safer Internet Centres (SICs)
  2. Scope and run a pilot campaign in three European countries: Ireland, Poland, Czech Republic
  3. Assess and report on impact
  4. Scope and run an EU-wide media literacy campaign in late 2024 – and then yearly afterwards

This campaign aims to test an approach for a Europe-wide media literacy awareness initiative, developed by MLA and EUN in collaboration with the Insafe network of Safer Internet Centres (SICs). It leverages SICs’ networking resources and collaborates with NGOs, government agencies, and industry to support practices, policy development, and research in media literacy.

Rather than competing with existing media literacy campaigns, we position ourselves as a BIK+ media literacy initiative, working alongside the Insafe network and other stakeholders to create synergies and collaboration opportunities.

The campaign will first be piloted in the Czech Republic, Ireland, and Poland for five weeks before expanding EU-wide in 2025. Support and promotion will come from national and European multipliers like schools, civil society organizations, and industry. Consultations with children, young people, parents, caregivers, and teachers will ensure age-appropriate messages and encourage cross-generational and cross-sectoral discussions on digital technology use.

Resources:

Focus topics:

Timeline | 4-5 weeks between March and April 2024

Pilot countries | Ireland, Poland, Czech Republic.

Target audience | Young people, parents/caregivers, teachers/educators.

Key messages | dissemination of existing practices + focus topics (filter bubbles/echo chambers, AI, virtual/extended reality, data privacy/protection, targeted advertisements)

Multi-pronged, to foster collaboration

Assessing and evaluating impact