Child Focus Belgium

Safer Internet Day 2016: ‘Play your part for a better Internet!’

On the occasion of Safer Internet Day 2016, Child Focus, the national coordinator in Belgium, has decided to launch an online awareness-raising campaign targeting teenagers.

This year the campaign will focus on a new phenomenon called ‘sextortion’, an upcoming issue where teens are meeting a new ‘hot’ contact online and are quickly asked to get undressed in front of their webcam if they want to see more of their new friend… unfortunately, once the video has been made, the teenager is asked to pay a large amount of money or the video will be shared amongst his or her friends and family. Unfortunately, the blackmailing does not stop even if the payment is made.

As a rather new and unknown phenomenon, Child Focus wants to inform the public and raise awareness on this issue. Through a short yet light-hearted video, they will understand the motives and criminal aspects of the matter. Furthermore, teens can test ‘how sextortion proof’ they are through two online tests that Child Focus developed on chatting with strangers (Qui est-ce?/Wie is het?) and on sexuality (Webslet).

To empower youngsters to take control of their own online privacy, Child Focus is going to give away 3,000 webcam covers. Teens are invited to order one through their school or organisation. Child Focus will also distribute this covers through its local partners.

Teens are already aware of the online risks: Child Focus developed a decision tree to help them make the right decision. This can be downloaded directly from the organization’website www.clicksafe.be . During the SID, Child Focus is going also to give out a lot of tips and tricks regarding prevention and what to do if they are the victim of such a crime.