Kids online, heard & empowered: What Europe’s BIK+ strategy evaluation tells us
How do we create a better internet for kids in an age of AI, social media, and 24/7 connectivity? The European Commission’s first evaluation of the BIK+ Strategy has a bold and simple answer: ask the kids themselves.
In a landmark move, the European Union has just completed the first child-led evaluation of the Better Internet for Kids+ (BIK+) Strategy, launched in 2022. This initiative is not only about digital safety — it's about digital empowerment and participation. And most importantly, it places children and young people at the heart of policymaking.
759 young people, one shared goal: A safer, smarter, kinder internet
Between September and October 2024, 759 children and young people across 22 European countries participated in 84 consultation sessions. These weren’t just symbolic checkboxes — the evaluation was co-designed with BIK Youth Ambassadors, and the sessions were structured around storytelling, creativity, and honest reflections on digital life.
Their insights paint a clear picture:
- Safety first: Kids are still encountering harmful content, online scams, and invasive data practices. They’re frustrated by ineffective reporting tools and a lack of real enforcement.
- Skills matter: Many asked for better digital literacy in schools — from understanding AI to spotting disinformation.
- Being heard counts: They want to shape digital policies, not just adapt to them. Youth felt empowered when their voices were respected, and called for platforms to involve them in design decisions.
What did the kids say?
“Apps like TikTok never stop… I’m affected by it myself. It’s hard to get out of this loop.”
— Teenager, Germany
Young participants expressed a keen understanding of the digital world’s complexities. They spoke of:
- Feeling overwhelmed by unrealistic online standards and algorithm-driven negativity.
- The emotional rollercoaster of online life — from connection and creativity to anxiety and FOMO.
- The need for nuanced solutions, not blanket bans — especially around age restrictions on platforms.
Experts weigh in: From laws to lifelines
Alongside youth consultations, 59 experts from academia, industry, civil society, and policy shared their perspectives. Their key takeaways echoed those of the young participants:
- Reporting mechanisms need simplification.
- Digital education must be embedded in schools, especially on AI and disinformation.
- Youth participation isn’t optional — it’s essential to build relevant, effective policies.
10 key recommendations from the evaluation
Here’s what the report urges the EU and member states to focus on:
- Make the strategy more actionable and measurable.
- Boost engagement with all stakeholder groups, including tech companies.
- Increase funding and resources for implementation.
- Tackle emerging challenges like AI and deepfakes head-on.
- Expand and enhance digital literacy programs.
- Promote positive content online.
- Involve parents and caregivers through tailored training.
- Bridge the digital divide — no child should be left behind.
- Ensure child and youth participation becomes standard.
- Balance protection with empowerment — always.
What’s next for BIK+?
This isn’t the end — it’s a checkpoint. The Commission will release a family-friendly report and visual outputs later in the spring, and will continue gathering input from parents, educators, and caregivers. With the Digital Services Act coming into full force, and new EU action plans on cyberbullying underway, BIK+ will serve as a key compass for Europe’s child-centered digital future.
Bottom line? Kids don’t just want a safer internet — they want a better, fairer, and more human one. And they’re ready to help build it.
🧒👦👩💻 If you're working in education, tech, or policy — it’s time to listen, collaborate, and act.
