This project has been funded with support from the European Commission.
This publication [communication] reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
BACKGROUND
CHILDREN, DATA AND EMERGING IDENTITIES
Children today are in danger on the Internet because of not understanding the relevance of data. They either too freely provide their own data and thus run the risk of identity theft or of an unwanted third party being able to target them, or they too easily believe the actuality of data provided by others and thus could become targeted by a third party who is disguised by a false identity. On the other hand the Internet a great tool that offers youngsters many additional opportunities to their education, leisure time and social life. Internet is nowadays thoroughly embedded in children’s lives.
REACHING CHILDREN THROUGH TRUSTED INTERMEDIARIES
In order to identify the proper way to reach children it is important to look at the persons that children turn to for advice when something online troubles them or when they need advice on how to present themselves online. So, the best strategy to protect children is to train teachers that children already trust, to guide them through online activities.
PUTTING SCHOOLS IN THE FRONT LINE
Considering that schools have the resources to reach all children, they should take the initiative training them. With the proper training of teachers, ideally, every child will have at least one skilled person to turn to (a teacher or even a peer).