Enhancing children’s digital protection and Safeguarding children’s rights in the AI Era
GA number: 101253420
Funded by: CERV Duration: 01/03/2026-29/02/2028
Challenge
Children are growing up in an increasingly digital world, where online spaces can expose them to cyberbullying, harmful or misleading content, privacy risks and AI-driven manipulation. According to EU Kids Online 2020, 44% of European children aged 9–16 encountered harmful or misleading content online, while one in three experienced cyberbullying.
Yet children are not the only ones facing this challenge. Parents and other adults around them often lack the knowledge, confidence and practical tools needed to help children navigate online risks and protect their digital footprint. More than 60% of parents reported feeling unprepared to support their children in this area. As digital environments become more complex, children need age-appropriate knowledge and skills, while the adults around them need accessible guidance and support to help them stay safe online.
Innovation
DigiGuard takes a child-centred approach to online safety, combining child participation, digital literacy, practical training and policy dialogue. Children aged 9–17 actively contribute to the design of digital protection resources and take part in interactive workshops, while teachers, parents and caregivers receive practical tools to support them.
Moderated online safe spaces give children a trusted environment to raise concerns and access guidance, while awareness campaigns and policy roundtables connect their experiences and recommendations with educators, policymakers, civil society and ICT stakeholders. By bringing children’s voices into both prevention and decision-making, DigiGuard aims to turn their experiences into practical solutions and safer, more inclusive digital environments.
Action
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
Project Partners
(Greece)
Oxfam Italia
(Italy)
(Slovakia)
(Poland)
(Croatia)
(Netherlands)