Safer Internet Day: UNICEF and Yettel Support Parents in the Digital Age

Belgrade, 11 February 2025 – Safer Internet Day, globally observed since 2005, serves as a reminder of our shared responsibility in creating a safe digital environment for children. Thanks to the internet, children today are more connected than ever before. The digital world offers them incredible opportunities but also exposes them to serious risks—misinformation, cyberbullying, harmful content, and exploitation. As their online presence grows, so does the responsibility of adults to protect and support them.

Every country faces different challenges in developing digital literacy among students, as highlighted by the recent ICILS (International Computer and Information Literacy Study), in which Serbia participated for the first time. Parents and educational institutions have a duty to provide support and teach children how to use digital technologies for learning, communication, and connecting with the world. Safe online behaviour is a key aspect of digital literacy. Additionally, a survey conducted through UNICEF’s U-Report platform shows that nearly half of young people in Serbia (44%) share their personal data online to access content, while 25% do so just for free WiFi.

To address these challenges, UNICEF Serbia and Yettel have launched an initiative to improve children’s digital literacy. In collaboration with the Ministries of Education and Information and Telecommunications, they have released a publication titled Digital Literacy aimed at parents and caregivers. This is the first publication in the Digital Compass for Parents series, offering practical advice and resources to help parents navigate the digital world their children are growing up in.

The Digital Literacy guide helps parents recognise key challenges and opportunities in the digital world, providing guidance on how to protect children from online threats while also empowering them to use the internet creatively and educationally. Education and open dialogue between parents and children are crucial for developing digital skills and understanding digital ethics. Many parents feel uncertain about how to monitor their child’s digital development, making this publication an invaluable resource.

“A recent UNICEF Innocenti report highlights the rapid digitalisation of society as a key megatrend shaping childhood. Young people are at the forefront of this transformation, yet many lack the skills to navigate its challenges safely. Digital access does not equal digital literacy. To truly empower children, we must go beyond teaching them how to use technology—we must equip them with the knowledge and skills to navigate its complexities safely. This is a shared responsibility. By creating a secure and empowering digital environment, we are not only protecting children today but shaping a future where they can thrive,” said Deyana Kostadinova, UNICEF Serbia Representative.

UNICEF Serbia and Yettel continue to work on improving children's digital literacy and enhancing internet connectivity between schools and students. In addition to publishing educational materials, plans include workshops and digital tools that will enable parents and teachers to actively participate in teaching children about safe and responsible internet use.

“As a telecommunications company, we have a responsibility to share knowledge on safe internet use and protection from online risks and threats. The long-standing partnership between UNICEF and Yettel was launched to ensure that all children have equal opportunities for education and development in a safe online environment. Through this initiative alone, we are providing digital skills and literacy training for 60,000 students, teachers, and parents. We remain committed to this important issue and will continue activities that enhance digital safety, aiming to educate as many people as possible, especially children,” said Milica Begenisic, ESG Manager at Yettel.

Safer Internet Day is a reminder that creating a safe digital space for children is a shared responsibility of parents, teachers, regulatory bodies, and the private sector. With the right education and resources, every child can be a part of the digital world in a safe and meaningful way.