Videos on “Net com Consciência” 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 3:00 p.m.

João and Joana are two young people who cannot live without the Internet or social media. However, they are not always aware of the content they share or the risks they are exposed to when they are online, which is why they are constantly getting into trouble. To become more responsible and attentive, they will be surprised by their own consciences.

In a clear reference to the films The Matrix and Tron, actors Alexandre Silva, Pedro Górgia, and Tiago Aldeia play the online consciousnesses 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 numbers for the Safe Internet Center Helpline are displayed. Centro Internet Segura, the project's main channel for information and support.

The production of these 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 technology, aimed at young people. This initiative runs parallel to the play ID – your mark on the Net!, from the program “Comunicar em Segurança" 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 theNet comConsciência 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 sought to act outside the school environment. "You go on vacation and they go with you"is the teaser message that preceded the launch of the first video. Episode 01 was released on July 15, and the second episode will be available on July 26 on YouTube and Facebook pages. The web series will also be adapted into formats accessible to blind and deaf people.

Also in the context ofpromoting safety and positive use of the Internet,Safer Internet Dayis celebrated in February. This year, Portugal marked the international event on February 4 with the seminar "Do Your Part for a Better Internet" in Lisbon. The meeting brought together academics, psychologists, criminal investigation forces, youth associations, the media, and other experts to discuss the challenges that Internet use poses to people's behavior, particularly that of young people.

The Safe Internet Center is part of a consortium coordinated by FCT – Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (Foundation for Science and Technology), in partnership with DGE – Direção Geral da Educação (Directorate-General for Education) of the Ministry of Education, IPDJ – Instituto Português do Desporto e Juventude (Portuguese Institute for Sport and Youth), Microsoft Portugal, and Fundação PT (PT Foundation), which joined the consortium in early July.