{"id":3918,"date":"2021-03-01T20:01:54","date_gmt":"2021-03-01T18:01:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.draugiskasinternetas.lt\/?page_id=3918"},"modified":"2021-09-27T16:47:45","modified_gmt":"2021-09-27T13:47:45","slug":"sid-2021-2","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.draugiskasinternetas.lt\/en\/sid-2021-2\/","title":{"rendered":"SID 2021"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Together for a Better Internet<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the face of the global pandemic, the internet has become our daily platform for learning, working, entertainment and communication. However, besides all of the good things, the cyberspace is full of many dangers: harmful content, hatred, personal data use and others. On 9 February 2021, Lithuania, together with nearly 170 countries of the world, celebrated the International Safer Internet Day, hosting various campaigns to draw attention to online safety. For this occasion, the National Agency for Education and the Communications Regulatory Authority of the Republic of Lithuania organised the event Together for a Better Internet<\/strong>, inviting pupils, parents, teachers and everyone rooting for online safety, to watch and take part online. The organisers invited the internet users to take action upon noticing content that is harmful for minors, incites hatred, involves personal data use and other threats. The purpose of this event was to draw the society\u2019s attention on the issues of online safety, encouraging to come together and create a better internet for everyone. This event was broadcast live from the LRT D\u016bm\u0173 Fabrikas studio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was opened by Jurgita \u0160iug\u017edinien\u0117, Minister of Education, Science and Sport of the Republic of Lithuania, emphasizing that as we spend the entire day at the computer learning or working, the issue of safe internet is becoming increasingly relevant. The possibility of using the internet and digital technology is both exciting and worrying. The Minister herself was slightly shocked to find her own fake Twitter account rapidly collecting followers and it took some time to take it down. \u2018No significant harm was done, but it could have ended differently. Getting in the trap of hidden advertising, propaganda and fake news online is easy.\u2019 said the Minister. \u2018That\u2019s why we need to learn critical thinking. There comes the role of the teachers, providing their pupils with critical thinking skills.\u2019 We can create a better internet together by respecting each other, protecting our own and others\u2019 reputation, and searching for opportunities to create, communicate and share.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The event then continued with a demonstration debate on \u2018Parents and children online: should parents get access to their minors\u2019 social media accounts?\u2019 (Lth. \u2018T\u0117v\u0173 ir vaik\u0173 santykis internete: ar t\u0117vai tur\u0117t\u0173 gauti prieig\u0105 prie nepilname\u010di\u0173 vaik\u0173 socialini\u0173 paskyr\u0173?\u2019), delivered by representatives of the International Youth Debate Alumni Association. The debate was conducted by Dainora, Gabija, Gabriel\u0117 an Vilija. Cyberbullying may result in serious consequences on children’s emotional and psychological health, such as decreased self-worth, constant stress and depression. All this leaves a negative trace on their learning quality. Seeking to prevent this, the girls debated if parents should have an access to their children’s social media accounts to be able to monitor their activity online and whom they talk to. The supporting party claimed that parents should have an access to be able to spot and prevent bullying against their children. Access to their children’s accounts would also enable their parents to control them and strengthen their relationships. The opposing party argued that this suggestion sounds like \u2018cyber espionage\u2019 and a violation of children\u2019s right to private life and communication. Parents should trust their children. Children and their well-being is crucial for both of the debating sides, but neither of the girls changed their opinions. Some of them believed that, despite everything, parents should be able to access their children\u2019s accounts to ensure their safety, while others argued that the main focus should fall on privacy, the children’s freedom and trust, rather than spying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mantas Stonkus, actor and co-founder of Digiklas\u0117.lt, talking on the topic of \u2018Whom do we talk to and how?\u2019 (Lth. \u2018Bendravimo kult\u016bra internete \u2013 kaip ir su kuo mes bendraujame\u2019), shared his sincere and interesting experience and insights on how children and youth choose whom they talk to online and the current online communication culture. The marketing expert, social activist and singer Dovil\u0117 Filmanavi\u010di\u016bt\u0117 discussed the topic of \u2018Digital literacy and critical thinking online\u2019 (Lth. \u2018Skaitmeninis ra\u0161tingumas ir kritinis m\u0105stymas internete\u2019). Dovil\u0117 shared why being alert and critical thinking are the necessary companions online, also raising questions if we are cautious enough in assessing information on the internet. The actor, artist and writer Marius Povilas Elijas Martynenko talked about \u2018Online threats \u2013 is it possible to evade them\u2019 (Lth. \u2018Gr\u0117sm\u0117s internete \u2013 ar realu j\u0173 i\u0161vengti\u2019), revealing ways how to recognize threats and prevent them. The participants of the event were entertained with a musical programme by the young performer Paula, winner of \u0160ok su \u017dvaig\u017ede (Eng. Dance with a Star) TV project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The event encouraged children and their parents to continue discussions on the advantages and disadvantages of children\u2019s privacy online, while famous people drew the public attention to the importance of online safety, highlighting new relevant aspects for parents, teachers and youth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The record of the event is available here: https:\/\/www.lrt.lt\/mediateka\/irasas\/2000140661\/renginys-kuriame-saugu-interneta-kartu<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n