Safer Internet Day was celebrated recently across many European countries, with the aim of promoting safe and responsible use of the internet by children and young people. Insafe’s main theme for this year is to discover the digital world together…safely with the aim of connecting generations and having people of all ages from very young children to adults and elderly to discover the digital world together.

Insafe, is a European network of Awareness Centres promoting safe, responsible use of the Internet and mobile devices to young people, of which Malta forms part.

194 reports on internet abuse were received by the Appogg Hotline Team from February 2011 to date. 131 of these reports came through the online reporting system on www.appogg.gov.mt while 63 reports where received through calls on Supportline 179. These reports included: cases of cyber bullying, grooming or sexual harassment, sexting, issues related to privacy, media education, internet addiction, and illegal content.

Appogg said that it is important for parents to play an active role in their children’s digital lives. It is important for them to keep themselves informed about the importance of their children’s protection over the internet and the different perils their children might be subject to. Without the proper parental guidance, the internet might become harmful to the unsuspecting child. It is also essential to point out that minors’ behaviour online can put them into unwarranted risks. Hence, more awareness about the possible consequences of risky behaviour is required.

Agenzija Appogg being the national social welfare agency for children and families in need, strives to safeguard children and young people from the abuse which they can face over the internet. Agenzija Appogg’s Hotline Team regularly organises activities within schools and other entities in order to create more awareness about safer internet use among the younger generation as part of the Besmartonline! project. This project is being run by the Malta Communications Authority in collaboration with Agenzija Appogg, the Commissioner for Children, the Directorate for Educational Services, the Secretariat for Catholic Education, and the Malta Police Force.

The Appogg Hotline Team marked Safer Internet Day by organising activities in two schools, focusing on this year’s theme. It is envisaged that around 230 students took part in this initiative which included a board game, discussion groups, preparing a poster for parents, and quizzes, all focusing to empower students to encourage their school mates to use internet in a responsible way. Topics to be covered include: internet safety tips, online risks such as cyber bullying, and where to get help.

For assistance related to child abuse over the internet, general public may contact Agenzija Appogg on Supportline 179 or else report online by visiting www.appogg.gov.mt. On this website, one also finds tips for parents, children and teens about the safe use of the internet.

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