As a mum of two energetic and curious kids, I love to see how the Internet helps them learn, share and be entertained. Like any parent, I also understand how the Internet can become an overwhelming place and that, as in real life, includes bad actors.
That’s why I work at Google to help parents and children surf safely. My job is to mobilize support for parents, teachers, and non-profit organizations to promote child safety through fun and innovative ways - from theater performances in Greece to animation contests in Germany.
The projects, I’m happy to say, are attracting attention at the highest levels of the European Union. This week, I participated in a meeting of the Better Internet for Kids Coalition in Brussels , an initiative launched by European Commission Vice President Neelie Kroes . Our Senior Vice President Rachel Whetstone explained, via video, how we build safety tools such as SafeSearch and YouTube Safety Mode .
I’m always on the lookout for creative ways to spread the safety message. In Greece, the local Saferinternet.gr coalition has produced a play called “The Internet Farm.” After the performances, children, teachers and parents participate in safety workshops. Take a look:
In Germany, we have partnered with the biggest festival of German-language children’s media Golden Sparrow , supporting a new online prize promoting child safety. This year’s winner, recently announced is Kindernetz . Our YouTube 361° Respect campaign against racism, discrimination and bullying recently had its grand finale featuring the pop band “Glasperlenspiel.”
We look forward to continuing our work with Vice President Neelie Kroes in Brussels - and parents and children throughout the European Union.
Posted by Sabine Frank, Public Policy & Gov't Relations Counsel, Media Literacy, Berlin
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