Under the Digital Europe Programme, Better Internet for Kids (BIK) is a European initiative that strives to create a better internet for Europe's children and youth.

The BIK platform provides information, guidance, best practices and resources on better internet issues from the joint Insafe-INHOPE network of Safer Internet Centres in Europe, and other key stakeholders. It is underpinned by the European strategy for a better internet for kids (BIK+), which focuses on ensuring safe digital experiences, digital empowerment and active participation for all young people in the online environment.

The vision is to provide age-appropriate digital services where every child in Europe is protected, empowered, and respected online, ensuring that no one is left behind.

In more practical terms, the mission is to foster the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and resources between key online safety stakeholders, including industry, in order to increase access to high-quality content for children and young people, step up awareness and empowerment, create a safe environment for children online, and fight against child sexual abuse and child sexual exploitation. In addition, the BIK initiative works towards standard age assurance and verification methods in Europe, support for the rapid assessment of illegal and harmful content, and ensuring the ‘116 111' number offers help to victims of cyberbullying. 

As part of the Better Internet for Kids (BIK) initiative, European Schoolnet coordinates the Insafe network of Safer Internet Centres in collaboration with INHOPE, the International Association of Internet Hotlines. There are currently Safer Internet Centres in EU Member States plus Albania, Iceland, North Macedonia, and Norway. Each SIC typically comprises an awareness centre, helpline, hotline and youth panel.

The SIC+ programme promotes collaboration between the network and like-minded organisations worldwide. Participation currently stands at 16 additional organisations across 14 countries (Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Colombia, Ghana, Kosovo, Mexico, Montenegro, Pakistan, Republic of Moldova, Serbia, South Africa, Turkiye, Ukraine). 

Website: https://better-internet-for-kids.europa.eu

Duration: 2014 – present

Funding: Digital Europe Programme (DIGITAL)

Social media

Facebook: Insafe

X: Insafenetwork

LinkedIn: Better Internet for Kids

YouTube: Better Internet for Kids