The Internet, screens and digital environments are very present in the daily lives of children and adolescents. In fact, according to data from the National Statistics Institute (INE), more than 90% of minors between 10 and 15 years old use the Internet regularly and nearly 70% have their own mobile phone. Although its use offers multiple possibilities for learning, communicating and having fun, it also involves risks that are not always easy to detect. For this reason, it is very helpful to have tools such as IS4K (Safe Internet for Kids), a website developed by the National Cybersecurity Institute (INCIBE) that guides and accompanies minors – but also families and teachers –, offering clear information, practical resources and support in online risk situations.
What resources does IS4K offer?
IS4K has been designed as a reference and consultation space for both the family and educational spheres and offers services and resources for educators, families and young people:
- Updated and clear information on the main digital risks: privacy, cyberbullying, sexting, grooming, inappropriate content, identity theft, sharenting and safe use of social networks.
- A blog with articles and informative content, as well as practical advice adapted to different ages: guidelines for the first mobile phone, recommendations for the responsible use of social networks, strategies to prevent online conflicts…
- Parental control options on different devices and operating systems, social networks, television and online entertainment platforms, specific applications…
- Guides, downloadable materials and educational games designed so that minors can learn to navigate safely in a simple and enjoyable way.
- Teaching resources for educators and educational centers to work on cybersecurity and responsible and safe use with students, as well as information on awareness programs and training actions.
Recommendations for safe use of the Internet
The content published by IS4K also includes advice to guide minors in the proper use of the Internet and new technologies, based on the idea that prevention begins at home and at school. In this sense, one of its main recommendations is to actively accompany minors, taking an interest in what they do online and fostering a climate of trust so that they can report any problems. They also see it necessary to establish clear rules of use, agreed upon and adapted to age, as well as set times and spaces for the use of devices.
In turn, it is advisable to correctly configure the privacy and security of mobile phones, tablets and applications, reviewing permissions and parental control options; and it is encouraged to educate in critical thinking, helping minors to identify unreliable content, uncomfortable situations or inappropriate behavior on the Internet to know how to act against them.
A free help line
Another interesting service that IS4K provides is its free and confidential helpline, aimed at minors, families and professionals: its objective is to listen, guide and accompany, reinforcing the idea that when faced with a problem related to Internet use you are not alone.
To achieve its purpose, it has an anonymous contact form that prevents victims or families who request help from being exposed and, at the same time, allows them to resolve doubts, receive guidance and request support in risk situations related to the digital environment.
