Below is a brief overview of the current context on the safe use of the Internet for each country involved in the CyGen project. IO1: Scoping and needs analysis explore's this further and maps the country-specific and EU-wide challenges and opportunities facing children and young people in diverse European member states on their safe use of the Internet.
UK
UK law requires social media companies to protect their users in the UK. The UK Government funds online safety guidance for children, for example through the organisation NCA-CEOP as well as the UK Council for Child Internet Safety (UKCCIS) which has published internet safety research, and a code of practice.
DENMARK
Children’s online engagement is extensive in Denmark when compared with many other countries, reflecting wide use of the Internet by the whole population in Denmark. Consequently, children in Denmark tend to be exposed to more risk from online engagement than their peers in many other countries, but they also tend to know how to deal with those risks and to recognise the opportunities the Internet presents.
BELGIUM
Whilst there is much guidance available in Belgium to support children’s online safety, the range of guidance is fragmented and much of the population is not aware of the guidance that is available. Belgian children tend to access the Internet via mobile devices, with many speaking to strangers online.
GREECE
Research about online safety is comparatively under-researched in Greece. However, some resources are available to promote online safety among children in Greece, including the Greek government’s guidance as well as the Safer Internet Centre in Greece.