Safer Internet Forum 2007, TANJA ŠTERK, project coordinator SAFE-SI: SLOVENIAN AWARENESS NODE IDENTIFYING THE ACTORS AND ACTIONS

INTRODUCTION The SAFE-SI consortium is established by: Coordinator: University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Social Sciences Partner: ARNES (Academic and Research Network of Slovenia) Mission and support: The goal of SAFE-SI is to empower selected target groups (young people, parents and teachers) to use the Internet, as well as other information and communication technologies safely and effectively. The project is co-financed by the Slovenian Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology. It also has wide support from all Slovenian key Internet service and content providers, child/welfare groups, government and school institutions as well as the media to act as the Slovenian National Awareness Node.

HOW TARGET GROUPS AND ACTIVITIES WERE IDENTIFIED? The awareness of parents, teachers and youngsters should be raised without raising a fear. Awareness - raising should promote positive use. Around 58%(Eurobarometer 2006) of children use the Internet and more than 90% mobile phones (RIS, 2006). Young people in Slovenia are enthusiastic Internet users, particularly of the interactive services like , chat, forums and Instant Messaging. The special importance should be given to media education in order to bring up media literate and responsible youngsters. The respective role of schools, state institutions, awareness nodes and individuals in the process of education and awareness-raising is in the spotlight. Empowerment of parents with the knowledge that they need to protect themselves and their children on-line is crucial. The best way of preventing a misuse of the Internet is through education.

LIST OF ACTIVITIES Design and dissemination of clear and easy-to understand awareness materials through relevant dissemination and promotion channels of the school and government institutions, child/welfare groups, the Internet industry and media. Organisation of events (round tables, presentations, seminars for parents and teachers, etc.). Co-operation with non-partners at seminars, workshops for teachers in primary and secondary schools. Ensuring broad media coverage. Empowerment of target groups through SAFE-SI website ( Highly effective cooperation with relevant stakeholders participating in project Advisory Board. Cooperation with other national nodes in the European network.

NATIONAL COPERATION- SAFE-SI Advisory Body SAFE-SI Advisory Body was officially established in December It consists of representatives of 23 institutions representing majority of entities associated with the problem of ICT safety in Slovenia. Establishing joint Advisory Body of Slovenian Awareness Node as well as hotline.

THE MOST SUCCESSFUL ACTIVITIES (1) In December 2006 SAFE-SI reached an agreement with National Education Institute dealing with the inclusion of the most relevant Internet safety themes to the special ICT seminars for teacher trainers (multiplicators). In 2006 MICROSOFT sponsored a special competition for pupils and students entitled: “Net Generation-that’s also me” dealing with presentation of different views on information society in different creative ways. A special web site was thus developed free-of-charge, furthermore MICROSOFT also contributed prizes for the authors of best art-projects.

THE MOST SUCCESSFUL ACTIVITIES (2) Distribution of SAFE-SI educational and promotional materials (brochures, leaflets, posters): Microsoft – distribution of brochure through different MICROSOFT sales centres in Slovenia. Each buyer of laptop or PC also receives a copy of SAFE-SI brochure; UPC Telemach (Global Liberty) – distribution of brochures as well as leaflets to new users of the Telemach cable Internet; Slovenian Police – distribution of brochures through “General Police Directorate” to all Police Directorates (11) at the regional level and local Police Stations(106); Telekom Slovenia Group in co-operation with Mobitel d.d. (national mobile telecommunications operator)- distribution of brochures through »Telestores« and Mobitel sales centres; Slovenian libraries – distribution of brochures, leaflets and posters to the visitors of different Slovenian libraries; Slovenian primary schools – distribution of leaflets, brochures and posters to teachers, students and parents.

THE MOST SUCCESSFUL ACTIVITIES (3) Joint participation at events (fairs, conferences) In April 06 SAFE-SI in co-operation with MISSS (Youth Informative Counselling Centre) participated at Twelfth Computer festival organised by Association of Technical Culture of Slovenia. Workshop: »ABCD INTERNET for adults - we know, what about you?«

PLANS FOR THE FUTURE To organise regional interactive seminars for parents in 2007/2008. To continue with education of teachers and school principles. To organise national event at SID 2008 with the support of MICROSOFT again. The negotiations are going on with the largest mobile phone operator in Slovenia MOBITEL to sponsor the development of a special brochure associated with the topic of safer mobile phone usage. The idea of organising special trainings for Slovenian Internet providers as regards Internet safety is under discussion. The most popular Slovenian on-line community for young people “Glasuj zame” (Vote for me) is interested to participate with SAFE-SI in developing joint strategy for protecting the privacy and security of young users who are uploading their pictures at this portal.

MORE INFORMATION WEBSITE: CONTACT: Tanja Šterk, project coordinator, Thank you for your attention!!!