BRIS stresses that the internet constitutes an important part of the everyday life of children and young people. It is used as a means of identity-building and creative outlet, however for obvious reasons most children who contact the helpline do it to talk about problems or negative aspects. The study confirms that adults are absent in children’s and young people’s everyday use of the internet and online technologies.

The results of the study focused on four central themes:

• there are problems with the publication and spreading of personal pictures and movies on the internet and by mobile phones
• cyberbullying through internet and mobile phones should be taken seriously
• anonymity on the internet and mobile phones enables abusive behaviour and assaults
• children and young people use the internet to deal with psychological problems, which can be constructive as well as destructive.

In 2006 BRIS had a total of 21,000 supportive contacts with children via phone or e-mail. 1,130 contacts concerned issues related to internet, mobile phones or other online technologies. The study was based on these contacts and the results will be used as a knowledge base within the campaign and at the upcoming training seminars for volunteers and support staff at BRIS. The training is organised by the Swedish Media Council and will take place at five different locations during October and November 2007.

Melinda Martino, the Swedish Media Council