The Commission presents a report setting out the final
evaluation of the multi-annual EU programme on protecting children
using the Internet and other communication technologies -Safer
Internet 2009-2013.
The evaluation is based on an external study using
data collected through surveys and interviews with project
participants and a wider range of stakeholders.
With a budget of EUR 55 million, the Programme
co-funded projects in the Member States, Iceland, Norway, Serbia
(through a memorandum of understanding) and provided limited
funding to Russia for participation in European networking
activities. 92% of the budget co-funded projects on:
- increasing public awareness in particular among children, parents and teachers
about opportunities and risks related to the use of online
technologies, and means of staying safe online;
- fighting against illegal content and harmful conduct online, with particular focus on
online distribution of child sexual abuse material, grooming and
cyber-bullying.
Main conclusions: the
evaluation shows that the Programme has been successful in
achieving its main goals and that EU intervention had been both
necessary and effective in the delivery of results.
- The Programme co-funded Safer Internet Centres
(SIC) in all EU Member States, Iceland, Norway, Serbia and
Russia. SICs carried out activities to raise public awareness; they
operated helplines from which children and parents could get
support and advice on online related issues. Stakeholders perceive
the fact that SICs exist in 27 Member States as the main added
value of the programme as this allows the sharing of knowledge
and good practice.
- European Safer Internet activities are often
considered good practice internationally, and have been taken up in
Latin America, the US and Asia-Pacific. The Safer Internet
Day, which stems from the Programme, is an international yearly
event to raise awareness of child online safety.
- The programme was recognised to have been delivered
efficiently, although certain procedures were highlighted as
presenting scope for simplification.
- The programme has had a medium to high impact,
mainly in raising awareness due to the focus on networking and
creation of synergies, and fighting illegal content.
- The establishment of a system of notice and
takedown of sexual abuse material complemented by voluntary
efforts from industry to counter distribution of this material
through their infrastructure has significantly reduced the time to
removal. In 2011, 60% of the reported content was removed within 1
to 3 days compared to over 90% in 2014.
Continuation of most effective
activities: in order to keep up and
build on the results achieved, the report suggests the
following:
- continue the work of the SIC awareness
centres, by further reinforcing
awareness-raising activities, including the dissemination of
information and tools for children on safer use of online
technologies and continuation of the annual Safer Internet
Day;
- ensure that the SICs reach out to children in
disadvantaged or vulnerable situations (such as children with
disabilities, children at risk of poverty, children in
migration);
- continue research at EU and national level on
children’s behaviour online and the risks they face to keep
the knowledge base up to date. The rights-based approach evident in
EUKidsOnline should be replicated in future research, with a
view to further realising the rights of the child in the online
environment;
- continue the mapping of Safer Internet policies
on a regular basis;
- continue the coordination role of the
Commission in future Programmes.
The Commission also recommends:
- facilitating the monitoring of impact of projects
through a robust monitoring system and regular independent
evaluations;
- continuing communication between all relevant entities
and stakeholders in order to share good practices and to ensure
that there is no overlap between future initiatives;
- encouraging industry and Member States’
involvement.