Working together for child safety

In the European Union, 13 to 29% of 15-year-old students report that they are often bullied. 20% of children in Europe suffer some form of sexual abuse during their childhood, and suicide is the second cause of death among 15- to 19-year-olds. 

In view of this situation, the European Commission adopted a Recommendation on developing and strengthening integrated child protection systems on 23 April 2024 which focuses in particular on the need to introduce mechanisms at national, regional and local levels that enable children to express their views freely and be involved in the assessment of child protection strategies, policies and services. 

Schools and teachers can work on prevention by encouraging children to pay more attention to their safety both online and offline. For example, this involves informing children of online dangers in order to promote the safe use of digital technologies, protecting their mental health, and preventing and combating (cyber-)bullying.

Take a look at the child-friendly version of the Recommendation! This version, reworded by young people, can be used to provide students with information on their rights and on child protection in the EU and around the world, and to discuss how to improve both of these aspects.