Project Over 40,000 pupils reached every scholastic year

Parliamentary Secretary for Financial Services, Digital Economy and Innovation Silvio Schembri launched the 5th edition of the BeSmartOnline! project which focuses on the safer use of the internet by children and youths.

“Over 40,000 students every scholastic year have benefitted from the BeSmartOnline! project across various public, private and church schools who were reached thanks to the resources and initiatives rolled out BeSmartOnline! These included educational campaigns, roadshows, workshops, seminars, live-ins, information days, awareness sessions and more. In view of technological advancements it is crucial to continue investing in raising awareness amongst our future generations to become more aware on the risks that may encounter online”, Schembri said.

He referred to the outcome of a study commissioned by BeSmartOnline! which showed that Maltese children and youths between the age of 9 and 16 years spend an average of three hours online everyday.

“Whilst it is a positive thing to see the young generation keeping up with technological advancements, as time goes by, technology is becoming part of our daily routine hence it is a must to work together to ensure that children are well-informed of the risks, be aware how to avoid them and most importantly use the internet with responsibility”, Schembri said.

Dana Farrugia, Chief Executive Officer for Tech.mt explained that the BeSmartOnline! is a project that creates awareness among children and youths on how to use the internet safely.

“We acknowledge that the use of technology is starting at a very young age and we must be in line with younger generations and assist them to behave safely while online,” she said.

“Tech.mt is fully committed to promoting Malta’s National Strategy for Technology and Innovation while ensuring that younger generations navigate the internet space in a safe manner.”

Presenting the findings of the EU Kids Online Survey, Ms Lorleen Farrugia, from the University of Malta said that children spend an average of 3.3 hours online daily and this increases with age. At age 16 the average number of hours is 4.2 hours.

36% of children claim to use a smartphone to go online almost all the time and the most common activities are watching video clips and listening to music.

37% of participants were bothered or upset by something that happened to them online, and when this happens to them, children use several strategies to cope: 20% of children talk to their parents, 17% talk to one of their peers, 15% close the window or app or block the person.

Another 15% claimed that they ignored the problem or hoped that it would go away.

The BeSmartOnline! project concerns the efforts of national stakeholders working towards the safer use of the internet by children and youths.

The initiative aims at raising awareness and educating minors, carers and educators on the safe use of the internet, establishing, operating and promoting reporting facilities for internet abuse, and supporting respective victims.

The 5th edition of BeSmartOnline! will be implemented over two years with a total investment of €443,188, co-financed by the European Union, through a consortium coordinated by the Malta Communications Authority and Tech.mt and which brings together FSWS, Aġenzija Appoġġ, the Office of the Commissioner for Children, the Directorate for Learning and Assessment Programmes, particularly the PSCD Department and the Malta Police Force.

The ‘Find the right balance’ theme, was launched today as part of this year’s summer campaign.

The campaign is targeted towards kids and parents and aims at raising awareness about online/offline balance, and at promoting life off screen.