A digital educational program with material aimed at the safe navigation of children on the Internet is implemented by the Ministries of Digital Governance and Education, within the framework of the National Strategy for the Protection of Minors from Internet Addiction.

The program “Digital Citizenship for Children” consists of videos, both interactive and animated, digital games, and creative activities for children from 5 to 9 years old. The aim of the program is to support parents by providing the necessary – for children – knowledge and skills for safe and responsible navigation in the digital world.

More specifically, it includes material related to topics such as privacy protection, data security, online addiction, digital footprint, cyberbullying, fake news and inappropriate content.

Access is through the website of the National Academy of Digital Skills, from the “Initiatives” section. Parents can be informed in detail about the program and the wider educational framework that supports it and navigate the available educational content.

The steps parents should follow are as follows:

  1. They choose their child’s age group (5-6 years old or 7 years old or 8-9 years old).
  2. Then, they choose the topic that interests them.
  3. Then, they browse the available educational material and choose the desired activity for their children.

The educational material includes four activities that combine learning and entertainment:

  • animated videos to introduce the subjects
  • interactive videos for understanding
  • digital games for consolidation
  • creative activities for parents and children.

It should be noted that each topic is accompanied by a parent’s guide with information and advice for optimal use of the material.

The “Digital Citizenship for Children” program was developed by the National Technology and Research Infrastructure Network (EDYTE S.A. – GRNET), a body of the Ministry of Digital Governance, with the pedagogical supervision of the Laboratory of Advanced Learning Technologies in Lifelong and Distance Education (E.DI.V.E.A)”, of the Pedagogical Department of Elementary Education of the University of Crete.