A Safer Internet for Every Child

PODGORICA, 11 February 2025 – On Safer Internet Day, UNICEF is reminding that one in three citizens of Montenegro does not check information that sounds dubious (Ipsos, December 2024), and that only one in two parents limits their children’s screen time, the content that they follow online, or talk to them about this. 

UNICEF is calling for policymakers, academia, civil society organizations, technology companies, educational institutions, media, parents, children and young people to unite their efforts to ensure a safe internet experience for every child.

“UNICEF is ready to support three priorities for a safer internet experience for all children. First, Montenegro needs to expand digital skills programmes and integrate media literacy into the curriculum. Second, parenting programmes, which are also related to the family’s digital safety, need to become available to all parents. Third, teacher training is necessary to better promote digital safety and literacy among students. Greater investments are needed to realize these changes in the coming period,” said Michele Servadei, UNICEF Montenegro Representative. 
 

Two out of every five parents in Montenegro often or occasionally allow their child to watch videos so that they can complete their tasks (Ipsos, December 2024). This data indicates that parents need more support to balance their work and family life, and ensure a safer online experience for their children. Flexible working conditions, more accessible childcare services and community support can make a difference. 

Parenting programmes can equip parents with skills to strengthen their relationships with their children and agree on ground rules, including on their children’s internet usage. The Bebbo app, which, thanks to UNICEF’s support, is available to all parents in Montenegro, contains useful advice for parents of children aged 0–6 years that can help them find better solutions than having screens act as “babysitters”.

UNICEF recommends that policymakers devise regulations to protect children from harmful mis/disinformation, while enabling children to safely access diverse content. The regulations should focus on requiring procedures for classifying content and ensuring transparency and accountability. Finding the balance between rights-based online protection and freedom of expression is a significant policy challenge that needs to be addressed through the joint efforts of all stakeholders.