Key Takeaways from the Safer Internet Forum 2024: Shaping a Safer Digital World for Kids
I had the privilege of attending the #SaferInternetForum 2024 last week, where several critical topics related to improving online safety—especially for young people—were discussed. Below are my key takeaways from the event, which align with the work we’re doing at Balanced Screen Hub and Tween Talk.
Main Subjects Addressed:
Young People’s Preferences for Online Safety
The EU Commission’s Efforts to Regulate the Digital World
The Role of Algorithms in Online Harm
Cyberbullying in the Digital Age
Challenges of Online Pornography for Minors
The Need for Digital Literacy Across All Ages
Building Safer Online Spaces for Kids
The Social Media Debate: Is a Social Media Ban Really What Kids Want?
One of the most important takeaways from the forum was the realization that young people want to be part of the conversation when it comes to their online safety. Rather than wanting a blanket ban on social media, kids prefer to engage in discussions about how to create safer online spaces. Many teens feel that parents and schools lack the know-how to offer adequate guidance when it comes to online safety, and they often see adults as out of touch with the digital world.
When it comes to the choice between privacy and safety, young people prioritize safety. They are more concerned about being exposed to inappropriate content than about losing control over their personal data. They value independence and trust over restrictive measures[1]. Teens want more control over their digital experiences, with better communication with parents rather than outright bans or restrictions.[2]
Kids want to have the freedom to express themselves online, but they are also aware of the risks that come with this. Importantly the young want to be included in the design of a safe online environment. We need to equip both kids and adults with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate this complex digital landscape responsibly.
Digital Services Act in the EU: Protecting Children Online
The EU Commission appears to be deeply committed to improving online safety for children through the Better Internet for Kids (BIK+) strategy, which is part of the Digital Services Act (DSA)[3] launched in 2022. The goal of the DSA is to ensure that children are protected, respected, and empowered online in the "Digital Decade."
Some key elements of the DSA include:
· Digital citizenship education to promote responsible online behavior.
· A ban on targeted advertising based on profiling to protect young users.
· Development of age verification systems to ensure minors access age-appropriate content.
Although the DSA is still in its early stages, there are signs of progress. The European Commission is holding tech giants accountable by imposing heavy fines for non-compliance. Companies like Google, Meta, and Apple are now being required to make significant changes to their platforms (YouTube, Facebook, Messenger, LinkedIn, TikTok, Alibaba, Booking.com, Snapchat, Wikipedia, Twitter AND Zalando) to ensure that they comply with EU regulations. These changes include things like offering less personalized ads and improving transparency in data usage. Apple and Meta have already been found in violation of the Digital Markets Act (DMA). If these companies continue to fail to comply with the regulations, they could face fines of up to 20% of their global annual revenue for repeated violations—a penalty that could total billions of dollars. In the most extreme cases, regulators could even pursue structural changes, such as forcing the break-up of these tech giants. However, such a move would be a challenging one, as it could have significant economic consequences, including job losses. Ultimately, it remains to be seen how effectively tech companies will implement the new regulations, how strictly the EU will enforce them, and whether these measures will ultimately achieve the safeguards the EU Commission intends to put in place.
Some early effects of the regulations are already visible. For example, Apple has begun allowing alternative app stores on its operating system in the EU. Additionally, the company has announced plans to display “less personalized ads” on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Google has also committed to removing its flight search service from search results, instead giving greater prominence to rival comparison sites. Meta has revealed plans to cut the price of its ad-free subscription tier for European users by 40%. However, there are concerns that these changes could inadvertently reduce choice for European consumers.
While these early steps suggest change is underway, it will take time to fully realize the objectives of the Digital Services Act. Key questions remain around data control, platform transparency, and the broader implications for consumer choice.
Algorithms: The Crux of the Problem
A significant portion of the forum focused on the role of algorithms in driving online harm. The algorithms that power platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram have a profound impact on what users see and how they interact with content. Studies have shown that young users—especially new ones—are quickly exposed to misogynistic contentand extremist views even when their profiles are blank controlled.[4] Content is increasingly being used to advance political agendas, with a growing number of young men being drawn toward far-right ideologies. Young users are being exposed to harmful content that is often watered down and disguised as entertainment, gradually seeping into mainstream platforms. This content exploits their vulnerabilities, subtly shaping their views and behaviours. Platforms like TikTok and YouTube use algorithms to push content that aligns with users' previous behavior, often amplifying harmful material. Research by the Center for Countering Digital Hate revealed that accounts set up for 13-year-old users on platforms like TikTok were shown suicide-related content within minutes of engaging with videos on body image or mental health.[5] This quickly escalated to content promoting eating disorders and other harmful topics.
These findings underscore the need for algorithmic transparency and more responsible content curation. Kids, especially those struggling with mental health issues, are particularly vulnerable to being exposed to harmful and dangerous content.
Cyberbullying: A Growing Concern
Cyberbullying continues to be a major concern in the digital age. It often mirrors in-school bullying dynamics but takes place 24/7 in online spaces, such as gaming platforms and social media. This can escalate into serious issues like sextortion and online threats. Children often face significant barriers when it comes to reporting cyberbullying. Many kids are afraid to speak up due to the “don’t be a snitch” mentality, fear of retaliation, or the belief that their report won’t make a difference. As a result, there is a pressing need to empower children to report incidents and take a stand against bullying. That being said the reporting process for harmful online content is still complex and cumbersome, especially for young users who might not be in the right emotional state to complete such an analysis.
Currently, there is no EU-wide law specifically addressing online bullying. However, Italy has recently introduced a Law to Prevent Bullying and Cyberbullying, which mandates that educational institutions actively support parents in ensuring the safe use of technology by minors. As part of this initiative, a committee will be established within the Ministry of Education and University, comprising experts and stakeholders, to address cyberbullying and oversee its monitoring. Furthermore, every school in Italy is required to designate a teacher responsible for cyberbullying prevention, and students must receive active instruction on responsible online behavior and their rights as digital citizens. A permanent supervisory committee will also be formed to engage with teachers, students, parents, and experts on this issue. Despite these positive steps, many schools in other countries still appear ill-equipped to address the challenges children face in navigating the digital world and its impact on their lives offline.
Pornography: A Growing Issue for Minors
The internet can serve as a valuable resource for young people seeking information about sex, and this potential should not be overlooked. However, the issue arises when searches lead to exposure to inappropriate or pornographic content, which can be both shocking and anxiety-inducing for young users. It's important that children understand the risks of self-exposure online, and why sharing personal images or engaging in inappropriate behavior in the digital space can be dangerous.[6]
Many kids turn to sexual content online as a way to cope with feelings of boredom, loneliness, or stress, or as a form of “sexual education.” Popular platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Snapchat, and Instagram are frequently used by young people to access such material. This trend raises concerns about the role of the internet in shaping young people's understanding of sexuality. While some may seek sexual content to fulfill a need for connection or stress relief, it can create a deeper detachment from real-world experiences and healthy relationships.
Moreover, there are troubling signs of an increase in sexual violence in the relationships of young people.[7]This may reflect a growing normalization of harmful behaviors and distorted views of intimacy that are being influenced by online exposure. It's critical that we examine how these online experiences are contributing to these trends, and how we can better support young people in developing healthier understandings of relationships and sexuality.
Digital Literacy: A Must for All Ages
Digital literacy should be an integral part of school curricula, but it should also be an ongoing focus for adults. We all need to stay informed and equipped to handle the rapid pace of technological change. Do we truly consider the bigger picture when it comes to our online habits? Have we paused to reflect on who the tech giants behind the platforms we use really are? What are their underlying missions, and where does the profit from our data and attention ultimately go? It’s easy to focus solely on our own entertainment and immediate needs, but perhaps we should look beyond that. Who are the influencers shaping the content we consume? Who is funding them, and what agendas are they promoting? These are important questions we should ask ourselves as we navigate an increasingly commercialized digital landscape.
Building Safer Online Spaces for Kids
Finally, the forum emphasized the need to create safe online spaces for children. This requires collaboration between tech companies, governments, schools, and parents to ensure that young people can learn, grow, and express themselves in digital spaces without fear of harm. At the core of this effort is the need for empathy and respect. We must teach children how to be mindful of their online behavior and to respect others in digital environments. By fostering a culture of kindness and responsibility, we can help create safer, more positive online spaces for kids.
In Conclusion
The Safer Internet Forum 2024 highlighted both the challenges and opportunities in making the digital world safer for young people. By focusing on collaboration, transparency, and responsible digital citizenship, we can start to build a more secure and empowering online environment for the next generation. While there is still much work to be done, the continued efforts from all sectors—parents, tech companies, policymakers, and educators—will be crucial in ensuring a safer digital future for all.
[1] https://eurochild.org/uploads/2024/04/Speaking-up-for-change-Childrens-and-caregivers-voices-for-safer-online-experiences.pdfVoice Project, Speaking up for change Children’s and caregivers’ voices for safer online experiences
[2] https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3479517, Rutkowski, T.L. et al., Family Communication: Examining the Differing Perceptions of Parents and Teens Regarding Online Safety Communication, 2021,
[3] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/api/files/document/print/en/qanda_20_2348/QANDA_20_2348_EN.pdf
[4] https://au.reset.tech/uploads/algorithms-as-a-weapon-against-women-reset-australia.pdf
[5] https://counterhate.com/research/deadly-by-design/
[6] https://www.klicksafe.de/en/pornografie
[7] https://assets.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/wpuploads/2023/05/Evidence-on-pornographys-influence-on-harmful-sexual-behaviour-among-children.pdf
