Students from Smederevska Palanka promote safe online behaviour

Smederevska Palanka, 18 December 2025 – Students of “Olga Milošević” Primary School in Smederevska Palanka presented the digital content on online safety they created themselves, as well as a knowledge quiz on digital skills and digital literacy.

“Olga Milošević” School is part of the project Bridging the Digital Divide and Improving Digital Safety, implemented by the Ministry of Education and UNICEF with support from Yettel. The programme is carried out in 30 schools across Serbia, with the aim of equipping children, teachers and parents with the knowledge and skills needed for safe and responsible internet use.

Through activities in school clubs and the use of resources from digital technology libraries, students build critical thinking, communication skills and resilience to online violence through peer learning, practical work and extracurricular activities.

These activities help children not only learn about digital safety, but also play an active role in sharing knowledge with their peers. Students say it is important to them that younger classmates understand how to stay safe online. One student said: “A password is like a toothbrush – only you should use it.” Another added: “We made several videos to show younger pupils how to behave online, that is, internet etiquette.”

Support from the education system is key to ensuring that such initiatives continue to grow and become part of schools’ everyday work.

“The education system continuously invests efforts in empowering school staff to carry out preventive activities with students, both in curricular and extracurricular settings. It is essential that we create an environment in schools where, through joint activities, we empower children to behave responsibly and safely in the digital space, and use digital tools for educational purposes. The participation of parents in planning and implementing preventive activities is vital, as cooperation between parents and school staff is necessary to overcome the challenges children face,” said Mihreta Fejzula, Head of the Group for Preventive Work and Protection from Violence and Discrimination.

Within the project, three brochures titled Digital Compass for Parents have also been developed, offering parents and teachers practical advice and knowledge to help them have open, informed and supportive conversations with children about their digital experiences.

Partnership with the private sector contributes to the sustainability and expansion of digital safety programmes in schools.

“We believe that the key to solutions lies in continuous education and working together. Children, parents and teachers all need to be partners in this process. That is why we have collaborated with UNICEF for many years — an organisation that shares our values and works systemically to strengthen children’s digital literacy and online safety,” said Milica Begenišić, Yettel ESG Manager.

UNICEF in Serbia implements this programme in partnership with institutions and the private sector, with the goal of ensuring long-term, sustainable solutions for a safe digital environment for every child.

“Lasting progress in children’s digital safety is possible only through strong partnerships. Together with the Ministry of Education and Yettel, UNICEF is working to ensure that schools, teachers, parents and children have the knowledge, tools and support they need for safe and responsible internet use,” said Tanja Ranković, UNICEF Serbia Education Specialist.

Programme activities will continue in the period ahead in schools across Serbia, through peer-led initiatives and collaboration with teachers and parents.