Ombudsperson for children: ‘Everything you do online leaves a mark. Parents, be an example’

She told the children to use the Internet carefully, to keep in mind that everything they do online leaves a trace, not to share personal information with anyone, not to talk to people they don’t know, and to think twice before clicking publish.

She also told them to talk to adults about what happens to them online, and if they experience violence, to report it and seek help. The Center for a Safer Internet has a free line for them at 0800 606 606 where they can get help. and support in the case of violence over the Internet, advice on how to protect yourself and what to do, and how to deal with inappropriate content.

The ombudsman told the children to use the Internet rationally, to take a break from social networks, to determine the time of the day when they will leave their mobile phones aside and to use that time to explore new offline activities and to encourage their friends to do the same.

She also told them to use the Internet wisely, because it is a place where they can find interesting, but also harmful content.

“Inform yourself about how the networks work. Ask adults to help you understand what information the networks are collecting about you. Ask yourself who is creating the content for you and whether you can check the information elsewhere. Think critically about what you watch, listen to or read. Ask yourself why that particular video, picture or message appeared to you and talk about it.” the ombudsman told the children.

She also instructed them to use the Internet in a friendly manner, to respect others and be polite. “Take into account the feelings of others and do not write anything that you would not want them to write to you. A written unkind word hurts just as much as a spoken one. Do not share content in which someone is mocked or attacked. Electronic violence is punishable – the screen does not protect against responsibility,” said the human rights defender.

She told parents that children need digital education and to be an example to them, to put their cell phones aside and get involved in children’s activities, and not to publish content on the Internet that will expose children to unnecessary dangers because even a harmless photo can be used to abuse them.

She emphasized that since 2004, every second Tuesday in February, there has been a special discussion about internet safety, and that today is an opportunity to educate ourselves about how to be more responsible towards ourselves and others in the digital world.

The Kids Online Croatia 2025 survey showed that 94.3 percent of children have daily access to the Internet. As many as 60.2 percent of children believe that the time spent on the Internet affects their interpersonal relationships, and 24.7 percent of children are quite worried because they spend too much time on the Internet. Almost every fourth child received images and messages with sexual content.

“The data show that mobile phones have long ceased to be just devices. Children’s online activities affect their friendships, relationships in the family and the wider community, and the formation of attitudes. That is why it is important to help children from an early age to adopt healthy digital habits that will help them use new technologies in a healthy, safe and balanced way,” she said. is the ombudsman for children Tatjana Katkić Stopć.