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Through the Wild Web Woods

Region

Eastern Europe and 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 14 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 Strategies

This 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 Issues

Children, Rights.

Key Points

Organisers 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..."

Partners

Funding has been provided by the governments of Monaco and Finland.

Contact

Cathie Burton
Campaigns Support
Council of Europe (CoE)
Tel: 33 0 3 88 41 28 93

Placed on the Communication Initiative site April 28 2008
Last Updated April 29 2008

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