Evaluation of the BIK+ strategyHow the EU protects children and young people online

With the European Strategy for a Better Internet for Children (BIK+ Strategy) the European Union is committed to creating a digital environment in which children and young people are protected, empowered and respected online. Adopted on May 11, 2022, the strategy builds on two decades of EU action aimed at promotingsafe and age-appropriate online experiences.

The first study of the BIK+ strategy provides important insights into progress and achievements as well as areas for improvement. Based on interviews with 759 children and young people and input from 59 experts from academia, civil society, business and policy across Europe, this report paints a comprehensive picture of the strategy's successes and highlights emerging challenges. The voices of children and young people, including those from socially disadvantaged backgrounds, were of particular interest for the evaluation. Further insights were gained through interviews with 170 teachers and educators and 133 parents from across Europe.

Involving young people and responding to their needs

During the interviews, children and young people welcomed efforts to create safer online spaces. However, they also highlighted persistent problems, such as exposure to harmful content, online scams and privacy violations. Many called for clear, more accessible reporting options and simple privacy policies, especially for younger users and people with disabilities. The survey also revealed that young people are very interested in being more involved in shaping the digital environment. For example, in the design of platforms or in political decisions at national and EU level.

Digital empowerment has become one of the most important tasks. The young participants spoke out in favor of more practical, age-appropriate education. In their opinion, this also includes integrating topics from the areas of media literacy, data protection and responsible use of new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) into lessons.

More support for caregivers

Teachers and parents echoed many of the concerns expressed by children. However, they also acknowledged that they themselves need more support in dealing with digital risks. Many of the adults surveyed expressed a desire for more intensive teaching of media skills, more guidance on new technologies such as AI and better tools to support their role as caregivers.

The experts pointed out existing weaknesses that need to be remedied. These include the need for longitudinal studies on children's online experiences, more uniform regulation in the European member states and greater cross-sectoral cooperation.

Recommendations for further steps

Based on the findings, the report identifies further measures that can be taken by the EU Commission, the Member States and the industry. These include

• Simplifying reporting options: Ensuring that reporting functions on all platforms are child and parent friendly, with clear instructions and information on how to follow up.
• Improving media education: embedding media literacy, AI education and digital resilience in curricula and ensuring state-funded teacher training and accessible information materials for parents.
• Promoting youth participation: Creating permanent opportunities for children and young people to participate directly, e.g. through youth advisory boards such as the klicksafe Youth Panel.
• Supporting families and parents: Promoting peer-to-peer and intergenerational learning models as well as support and education through services such as klicksafe.
• Building bridges between policy and practice: Greater coordination of strategies and legislation at national and EU level and more cross-sectoral responsibilities.

Looking to the future

Overall, the study shows that the BIK+ strategy has already had a noticeable impact. However, rapid technological developments mean that sustainable measures are needed. The report emphasizes that creating a better internet is not just a question of child protection, but also a question of participation, education and shared responsibility.

Furthermore, the voices of children, families and educators should take center stage in shaping the policies and platforms of tomorrow. The recommendations presented in the evaluation provide an important roadmap for strengthening the BIK+ strategy to continue to meet the needs of Europe's youngest digital citizens.