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The growing diffusion of digital technologies and social media has raised the urgent issue of child safety online. This is the context for the video conference on April 16, 2026, promoted by Emmanuel Macron, which brought together several European leaders to discuss possible coordinated initiatives at the national and European levels. Participants included Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and representatives of numerous Member States, including Germany, Greece, Ireland, the Czech Republic, and Spain, along with delegates from Austria, Denmark, Cyprus, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, and Slovenia. The meeting provided an opportunity for multilateral discussion on a topic that cuts across European public policies, involving areas such as digital regulation, the protection of fundamental rights, and child protection.
ITALIAN DIGITAL SECURITY POLICY FRAMEWORK
During the debate, President Giorgia Meloni emphasized that protecting minors in the digital environment is a priority for Italian government action. In this regard, several measures already adopted at the national level were recalled, designed to ensure safer and more informed use of technology by young people. These initiatives include the ban on the use of mobile phones during school activities, a measure aimed at limiting distractions and promoting a more controlled educational environment. At the same time, age verification has been introduced for access to online pornographic content, with the aim of preventing the use of materials unsuitable for minors. Additional protection tools include the implementation of automatic blocking systems for access to sensitive content, such as pornography, violence, drugs, racism, and gambling, in cases where SIM cards or contracts are registered to minors. Added to this is the ability to remove digital content deemed harmful to the psychological and physical development of young people or that incites hatred and violence.
DIGITAL EDUCATION AND RISK PREVENTION
A central element of the Italian approach concerns the promotion of digital literacy. In particular, the progressive deployment of training programs in secondary schools aimed at developing critical skills in the use of digital media was highlighted. This process, also known as “digital licensing,” aims to provide students with adequate tools to navigate a complex and potentially risky information ecosystem. This focus on education is part of a broader prevention strategy, which considers education a key factor in reducing minors’ exposure to harmful content and promoting responsible online behavior.
TOWARDS AN INTEGRATED APPROACH AT THE EUROPEAN LEVEL
During the video conference, President Giorgia Meloni reiterated Italy’s willingness to contribute to the definition of an integrated European framework for the digital safety of minors. This approach should go beyond a vision limited to age verification alone, while recognizing the importance of this tool, which is currently being discussed in the national Parliament. A key aspect of the proposal concerns the active involvement of digital platforms, which are called upon to assume greater responsibility in managing content and preventing harmful phenomena. In particular, the need to combat behavioral addictions related to social media use, which can negatively impact the psychological well-being of young users, was highlighted.
THE CENTRALITY OF PRIVACY PROTECTION
Another important aspect that emerged from the debate concerns privacy protection. Every regulatory intervention, both at the national and European levels, should ensure maximum respect for citizens’ privacy. This principle is essential for developing effective and sustainable policies over the long term. From this perspective, the development of control and verification tools must be carefully balanced with the protection of fundamental rights, avoiding solutions that may be invasive or disproportionate.
REGULATORY COORDINATION AND THE ROLE OF EUROPEAN INSTITUTIONS
In line with the conclusions of the recent European Council, it was also highlighted that any initiatives at the Union level must be consistent with the regulatory specificities of individual Member States. This implies the need for coordination that takes into account the different legal traditions and the differing levels of digital policy development in the various countries. At the same time, such interventions must be aimed at ensuring a high standard of protection for all European citizens, with particular attention to the most vulnerable, such as minors.
BETWEEN REGULATION AND SHARED RESPONSIBILITY
The discussion among European leaders highlighted the complexity of the challenges related to the digital safety of minors. The approach outlined is based on a balance between regulation, platform liability, digital education, and privacy protection. In this scenario, cooperation between Member States and European institutions appears essential to develop effective and coordinated strategies. The growing interconnection of digital spaces makes joint action essential, capable of systematically addressing the risks and opportunities associated with the use of technology by new generations.