Ensuring Children's Safety Online: New Initiatives

According to recent findings, Ukrainian children are starting to use the Internet actively from the age of five, spending at least one hour online each day. For teenagers, this figure rises significantly, with 79% spending over three hours daily on the Internet. Such widespread use of digital technologies necessitates heightened attention to their safety.

In response to cyberbullying, fraud, and inappropriate content, Ukraine has launched the 'Safer Internet Center'. This initiative is implemented by the organizations 'Magnolia', 'La Strada-Ukraine', and 'Docudays'.

The center operates in three main directions:

Hotline StopCrime

This hotline accepts reports of online sexual violence against children, facilitating their blocking and investigation, and collaborates with the international network INHOPE. The StopCrime project was established with the support of the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, Diia.Education, and the Cyber Police Department of the National Police of Ukraine to combat child violence online.

Support Line for Children and Youth 116111

This national hotline offers psychological and legal assistance to children who have fallen victim to online violence or faced other internet threats.

Educational Activities

The center conducts awareness campaigns for children, parents, educators, law enforcement officials, and anyone interested in learning more about digital hygiene.

Safer Internet Centers are a common practice in EU countries, supported within the Insafe network. The Ministry of Digital Transformation collaborates with European partners to create a safe space for children in the digital environment and safeguard their rights online.

Learn about online behavior rules on the Safer Internet Center platform and engage in interactive simulations on Diia.Education to protect yourself from fraudsters and criminals.