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Through the Wild Web WoodsRegions
Eastern Europe/Central Asia, Western Europe
Programme Summary
At the end of 2007, the Council of Europe (CoE) launched an online game for children - currently available in 20 languages - in an effort to help children in Europe learn the rules of internet safety in a fun format. Designed for children between the ages of 7 and 10 years old, the game was developed in the spirit of the Council's "Building a Europe for and with children" programme, which was set up to promote children's rights and protect children from all forms of violence - including the "grooming" of children by abusers - through the internet, as is consistent with the principles of CoE's Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse. Communication StrategiesThis initiative is an internet-based edutainment experience that uses familiar fairy tales to guide children through a maze of potential dangers to an "E-city". It is based on the CoE's "Internet Literacy Handbook", which includes 21 fact sheets on internet safety, as well as tips for parents and teachers. The object of the game is to reach the fabled e-city, but the paths travelled are fraught with mazes, dangers, and tasks. Players who seek to make their way are introduced to basic internet safety rules, as well as notions of human rights and respect for others. Organisers plan to develop the game further to incorporate issues such as children's rights, democracy, and justice. Development IssuesChildren, Rights. Key PointsOrganisers contend that "[c]hildren cannot be left alone on the Internet without the assistance of responsible teachers, parents and carers. Their confidence, safety and well-being on the Internet is a shared responsibility for all stakeholders – parents, teachers, companies, civil society and governments. In this framework, there are important responsibilities for our governments to effectively secure our human rights on the Internet. But there are also important responsibilities for private companies who design and make available the information and communication technologies for the Internet. To conclude, the Internet is 'our business', it belongs to all of us, and must not become a virtual jungle, where its inherent freedom and anonymity are being abused. The Council of Europe takes this responsibility very seriously..." PartnersFunding has been provided by the governments of Monaco and Finland. ContactCathie Burton
Campaigns Support
Council of Europe (CoE)
Tel: 33 0 3 88 41 28 93
SourceYouthful Media listserv, February 12 2008; Council of Europe: Life on the Internet Is What WE Make of It; and Wild Web Woods website. Placed on the Communication Initiative site April 28 2008 Last Updated May 19 2009 How useful did you find the knowledge and contacts on this page to your work? Post your comments (review comments from others below):COMMENTS POSTEDTop 5 Related Pages for this Summary |
Special FocusNewspapers and Democracy
How central to democracy are newspapers - some of which are being lost to budget cuts and other changes - as opposed to blogs, YouTube, emails, text messaging, twittering, and the like?
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