“Net com Consciência” videos raise awareness of internet safety

(available only in Portuguese)

The first episode, “Online Addiction,” premiered on July 15, and the second episode was released today, July 22, at 3 p.m.

João and Joana are two young people who cannot live without the Internet or Social Networks. However, they are not always aware of the content they share or the risks they are exposed to when they are online , and so they are constantly in trouble. To become more responsible and attentive, they will be surprised by their own consciences.

In a clear allusion to the films Matrix and Tron , actors Alexandre Silva, Pedro Górgia and Tiago Aldeia play the online consciousness of these young people. In a humorous tone, the characters identify risks associated with online addiction and behaviors such as cyberbullying, sexting, dating, gaming , online reputation and hate speech, among others. At the end of each video, the telephone contacts for the Safe Internet Center Help Line , the project's main channel for information and support, are provided.

The production of videos is one of the initiatives promoted by the Safe Internet Center in the area of raising awareness about the responsible use of the Internet and technologies, aimed at young people. This initiative is parallel to the play ID – your brand on the Internet! , from the PT Foundation’s “ Communicate Safely ” program. The play features the same actors and is one of the activities promoted during the school year in schools and theaters across the country.

To continue the communication strategy developed during the school year, the launch of the Net com Consciência series coincides with the school holiday months. At this time of year, young people are more vulnerable to the risks of online exposure, so we sought to act outside the school environment. “You go on vacation and they go with you ” is the teaser message that preceded the release of the first video. Episode 01 came out on July 15th, and the second episode will be available on July 26th on Internet Segura's YouTube and Facebook . The web series will also be adapted into formats accessible to blind and deaf people.

Also within the scope of promoting safety and positive use of the Internet, Safer Internet Day is celebrated in February . This year, Portugal marked the international anniversary on February 4th by holding the Do Your Part for a Better Internet Seminar in Lisbon. The meeting involved academics, psychologists, criminal investigation forces, youth associations, media, among other experts, in the discussion about the challenges that the use of the Internet raises in people's behavior and, in particular, that of young people.

The Safe Internet Center is part of the consortium coordinated by FCT – Foundation for Science and Technology, in partnership with DGE – General Directorate of Education of the Ministry of Education, IPDJ – Portuguese Institute of Sports and Youth, Microsoft Portugal and the PT Foundation, which has been part of the consortium since the beginning of July.