EU Takes Proactive Steps to Safeguard Children and Young People in the Digital World
Brussels, Belgium – July 15, 2025 – The European Commission today unveiled a comprehensive strategy aimed at significantly reducing the risks faced by children and young people as they navigate the ever-evolving online landscape. Titled “Minimising the Risks Children and Young People Face Online,” the publication outlines a forward-thinking approach to foster a safer and more supportive digital environment for the EU’s youth.
Recognizing the profound impact that the internet and digital technologies have on the lives of young Europeans, the Commission has developed this strategy to address emerging threats and reinforce existing protections. The document, published today, reflects a deep commitment to ensuring that children can explore, learn, and connect online with confidence and security.
The strategy highlights a multi-faceted approach, emphasizing collaboration between various stakeholders. This includes a call for increased responsibility from online platforms, empowering parents and educators with better tools and knowledge, and equipping children themselves with the digital literacy skills necessary to identify and mitigate risks.
Key areas of focus within the strategy include the protection of children from harmful content, such as child sexual abuse material, cyberbullying, and content promoting self-harm or eating disorders. The Commission is also keen on addressing issues related to data protection and privacy for minors, ensuring that their personal information is handled with the utmost care and transparency.
Furthermore, the initiative seeks to tackle the growing concerns surrounding excessive screen time and its potential impact on the well-being of young people. It promotes a balanced approach to digital engagement, encouraging healthy online habits and fostering offline activities.
In a statement accompanying the publication, a spokesperson for the European Commission stated, “Our children are digital natives, and the online world is an integral part of their lives. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that this space is as safe and beneficial as possible for them. This strategy represents a significant step forward in our commitment to protecting our younger generation and empowering them to thrive in the digital age.”
The strategy emphasizes the importance of age-appropriate design principles for online services, encouraging developers to prioritize the safety and privacy of children from the outset. It also advocates for greater transparency from online platforms regarding their content moderation policies and their efforts to combat illegal and harmful content.
Parents and educators are recognized as crucial partners in this endeavor. The Commission plans to support initiatives that provide them with accessible resources, training, and guidance on how to discuss online risks with children and how to utilize parental controls effectively.
Moreover, the strategy underscores the need to enhance digital literacy among young people. This involves equipping them with the critical thinking skills to discern credible information, understand online etiquette, and recognize the potential dangers they might encounter.
The publication of “Minimising the Risks Children and Young People Face Online” signals the European Union’s continued dedication to creating a digital environment where every child can flourish, free from undue harm and exploitation. The Commission looks forward to working closely with Member States, industry stakeholders, civil society organizations, and young people themselves to implement this vital strategy effectively.
Minimising the risks children and young people face online
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