Brussels, 27/11/2012 (Agence Europe) - On 26 November, the EU ministers for culture and audiovisual issues adopted conclusions in Brussels on a European strategy for a better internet for children, keeping with the communication of the European Commission adopted last May (see EUROPE 10606). These conclusions complete those on the protection of children in the digital world, adopted at the end of 2011, this time putting the emphasis on the promotion of a quality content and on stepping up awareness.
The ministers and the information and communication technologies (ICT) sector face the same question - how to let children take advantage of the internet while avoiding their natural curiosity leading them into risk. The strategy proposes a series of actions to be taken by the Commission, the member states and the ICT sector in the following areas: (1) promoting quality online content for children and young people; (2) stepping up awareness and empowerment of children, their parents and teachers; (3) creating a safe online environment for children, especially by creating parameters of trust adapted to their age and an increased use of parent control tools; (4) fighting against child pornography, thanks especially to the cooperation between businesses, coercive organs and help lines.
During the public debate that followed the adoption of the text, the ministers discussed the role that should be played by the different actors (parents, teachers, public authorities, and service and access providers) in order to strengthen the protection of young people under age 18 on the web. Several member states stressed the importance of a “digital education” to be given to children by parents and teachers - who themselves would first need to be trained in new technologies in order to be able to give quality advice. Other member states stressed the importance of coordinating national activities launched as part of the European strategy. The industry itself is responsible for self-regulation with regard to protecting children - a self-regulation that was set up in December 2011 by 28 technology businesses (see EUROPE 10507), European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth Androulla Vassiliou recalled. Several ministers spoke of the need to continue and even intensify the coordination of the Safer Internet Centres set up in 30 European countries, suggesting future funding for the Connecting Europe Facility. (IL/transl.fl)