The Minister of Communications is encouraging discussion and debate between operators, associations and families, with the intent of guaranteeing both the development and the circulation of set objectives using the Lisbon strategy. The main aim is to provide minors with a framework through which they can develop intellectually, physically and morally.
This follows long term campaigning by organisations that are active in the safeguarding of minors, with Save the Children Italy and Adiconsum (partners in the EASY campaign) at the forefront. It also comes in the wake of recent news events that underscored the risks that young people run into when technology is used improperly. It is for these reasons that the Minister has launched a plan that foresees a series of initiatives for the safeguarding of minors in the use of new technologies.
The plan took flight on January 8th, with the signing of the ministerial decree that compels ISPs to use filtering systems that do not allow access to sites that circulate paedophilic material and was followed by an awareness campaign for a safer use of new technologies by minors. This campaign is presented across several spheres:
- a TV, radio, Internet, and print campaign to take place in two cycles, June/July and September, on the main national radio and television stations, newspapers, and on the major internet portals (a thirty second spot was made to be promoted via TV; viewable at http://www.tiseiconnesso.it/pag_video.php);
- the activation of the web-site www.tiseiconnesso.it, which provides useful hints and suggestions for children, parents, and teachers on safer internet issues;
- the renewal of the agreement for the administration of the emergency 114 phone service for children.
In addition, negotiations are ongoing for a new self-regulation Media and Minors Code of Conduct. It will take into consideration technical developments in this field and will gather together in one document the already existing internet and minors and TV and minors codes.
This is the first example of a co-regulation code in Italy as it will also involve mobile telephony administrators along with videogames producers.
Author: Save the Children Italy
