"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 15:00.

João and Joana are two young people who can't live without the Internet or social networks. But they aren't always aware of the content they share or the risks they run when they're online, which is why they're constantly in trouble. In order 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 consciences of these young people. In a humorous way, 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 helpline contacts of the Safe Internet Centerthe project's main channel for clarification and support.

The production of the videos is one of the initiatives promoted by the Safe Internet Center in the area of raising awareness of the responsible use of the Internet and technologies, aimed at young people. This initiative runs parallel to the play ID - your brand on the Net!, from the "Communicate Safely" program of the PT Foundation. 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 with Awareness series coincides with the school vacation months. At this time of year, young people are more vulnerable to the risks of online exposure, so we tried 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 was released on July 15, and the second episode will be available on July 26 on Youtube and on Facebook of Internet Segura. The web series will also be adapted into formats accessible to blind and deaf people.

Also as part ofthe promotion of safety and positive use of the Internet,SaferInternet Day is celebrated in February. This year, Portugal marked the international event on February 4 with the seminar Do Your Part for a Better Internet, held in Lisbon. The meeting involved academics, psychologists, criminal investigation forces, youth associations and the media, among other experts, in a discussion about the challenges that Internet use poses to people's behavior, particularly that of young people.

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