A number of entities have come together to promote safer use of the Internet, particularly for children.
Coordinated by the Malta Communications Authority, the BeSmartOnline! project has brought together Agenzija Appogg, the Office of the Commissioner for Children, the Directorate for Educational Services (DES), the Secretariat for Catholic Education, and the Police Force.
They will be working together towards raising awareness and educating minors, carers and educators on the safer use of the Internet, establishing, operating and promoting reporting facilities for internet abuse as well as providing support to respective victims and their families.
Education Minister Dolores Cristina welcomed the initiative and praised the collaboration of the diverse stakeholders especially when working with minors such as in this case.
“We are dealing with digital natives that are able to outsmart us on the keyboard. However this does not give us parents, educators and policy makers the right to abdicate our responsibilities of ensuring their safety and wellbeing,” she said.
Charlo' Bonnici, Parliamentary Assistant, Ministry for Infrastructure, Transport and Communications (MITC) said young people explicitly expressed themselves on the Internet and it would be an irrational move for anyone to attempt to control or silence their voice. “Our mission must be to ensure that our youths make the most of these opportunities in a safe environment. This can only be achieved through awareness and education supported by the necessary legal, regulatory and social frameworks,” he continued.
A panel discussion on internet safety was also addressed by Helen D’Amato, Commissioner for Children; Micheline Sciberras, Director General Education Services; Sina Bugeja, Chief Executive Officer, Foundation for Social Welfare Services; Insp. Trevor Sammut, Malta Police Force; and Lawrence Bonello for the Directorate of Educational Services, Secretariat for Catholic Education.
Supportline 179 will be used as a helpline and hotline and will offer support and advice on matters of internet safety and where people may report internet abuse respectively. An education campaign through the media, in all schools, and a series of public events will be targeting minors, parents and educators.
A National Advisory Board has already been set up and will be facilitating discussion with all local stakeholders including NGOs, governmental agencies and private organisations. A Youth Panel is also planned to give a direct voice to Maltese youth. The initiative is supported by the www.besmartonline.org.mt website.
The project is co-financed by the Safer Internet Programme of the European Union and the centre will form part of INSAFE, the European network of Awareness Centres.