Students show how the internet can be a safe place for everyone

Belgrade, 18 March 2026 – Through their work, students have shown that a safe internet means using technology responsibly, with care for others and with critical thinking. The most successful student projects on digital safety were presented and awarded as part of the project “Bridging the digital divide and enhancing digital safety”. The project is jointly implemented by UNICEF in Serbia, the Ministry of Education and the Centre for Education Policy, with the support of Yettel.

At the event, student work and experiences from schools actively working to improve digital safety were presented. Through their initiatives, students demonstrated that they can recognise risks and contribute to a safer digital environment in their schools.

During the two-year project, students from 30 primary schools developed knowledge and skills for the safe and responsible use of the internet through peer learning and the creation of practical digital tools. At the same time, teachers and parents were further supported through trainings and guidance on digital literacy and safety, enabling them to better support children in the digital space. The project reached more than 5,700 students, over 120 teachers and around 950 parents.

A safe digital environment enables children to learn, grow and be protected. This is why it is important to invest in children’s digital literacy and safety, as well as in reducing digital inequalities through improved school connectivity and access to digital resources.

“Digital skills are now fundamental for learning, safety and children’s equal participation in society. Together with the Ministry of Education and Yettel, we support schools, teachers and families to ensure that children have the knowledge and support they need to use the internet safely and responsibly. It is especially important that students themselves have shown they can recognise risks and actively contribute to creating a safer digital environment for everyone,” said Carole Vignaud, UNICEF Serbia Deputy Representative.

Long-term partnerships with the private sector are key to expanding access to digital skills and a safe internet for every child.

“Yettel and UNICEF have been partners on digital literacy and online safety for 14 years, since 2012, and in the past two years alone, through this project, we have achieved outstanding results. We are especially proud of the students, whose work shows not only that they have gained new knowledge, but that they have shared it with their peers. They have inspired others to take an interest and actively contribute to creating a safer online environment,” said Milica Begenišić, ESG Manager at Yettel.

UNICEF Serbia and Yettel continue their long-standing partnership by strengthening school connectivity and advancing digital literacy and safety for students, teachers and parents.