February 9 was the Day of Safer Internet. On this occasion we look at how careful Slovaks are online. 25% of Europeans faced problems with internet safety - viruses, personal data misuse and financial losses, claims Eurostat research. However Slovakia is high above the average on the scale, ranking third with only 13% of users having trouble with safety online. Slovakia also showed great progress in virus handling; as in 2015 fewer than 1 in 10 Slovaks had their computers infected compared to almost half of the users facing viruses on their computers in 2010. As the largest group of internet users are children and teenagers, there have been many institutions organising activities for the more secure use of online technologies and mobile phones all around the European union. Their goal is to teach children how to use online spaces for both education and fun. At the same time the youth is taught about protecting themselves against cyber bullying, online gambling or swindlers. "Parents have very limited means of protecting their children online. Therefore, higher responsibility rests on the Information and Communication Technology industry to provide safe products and services," said former digital agenda vice-chairman of European Committee Neelie Kroes.
In 2010 a project called Zodpovedne.sk (Responsible.sk) carried out research on adolescents in the virtual space in Slovakia. Its results indicate that almost half of all adolescents encounter bad behaviour and bullying. They also often come across bad mouthing, incorrect information and sexual remarks. "Teachers are able to discover bullying in schools but when it comes to cyber-bullying they don't always know how to react," said Peter Baláž, coordinator of a civil association teaching about online education. He advises parents and teachers pay more attention to cyber bullying and try to search for more information and further education about the online world.
