KPN enters into unique partnership for online security

Half of all Dutch young people between the ages of 12 and 25 have experienced online sexual abuse or sexual harassment at some point. According to recent research by the Fonds Slachtofferhulp, this involved 700,000 to 800,000 young people in the past year alone. And research by Rutgers and Soa Aids Nederland shows that 1 in 100 young people indicate that their photos and videos have been forwarded without their permission. These figures clearly show that more awareness is needed to ensure that online sexuality is pleasant and respectful of each other's wishes and boundaries. That is why the Fonds Slachtofferhulp, Rutgers, Soa Aids Nederland and KPN Mooiste Contact Fonds are joining forces. With #BeterInternet, the organisations support parents, schools and young people in creating a safe and enjoyable online environment and help them when things do go wrong.

The lives of young people are largely played out online. Online dating and sexting are therefore part of relational and sexual development and are therefore experienced by many young people as fun and exciting. Research shows that 1 in 8 young people have engaged in 'sexting' in the past six months, for example by sending an intimate photo of themselves to someone. For these young people, this is an accessible way of flirting and entering into relationships. Sexting only becomes a problem if boundaries are crossed within this contact, yours or the other person's. #BeterInternet offers not only knowledge and tools on how to keep online contact fun and healthy , but also the right help if boundaries are crossed.

“Piece of Me with the message Think before you forward brought our organizations together. Together we have succeeded in putting the subject on the social agenda. This is not just a campaign but a theme that we are committed to for the long term,” says Joost Farwerck CEO of KPN and board member of the KPN Mooiste Contact Fonds. “Moreover, we realize that this concerns a large group of young people who are at risk of becoming socially isolated. That is why we continue to commit ourselves together with the three partners who were also involved last year.” The KPN Mooiste Contact Fonds has been committed to stimulating social contact for people for whom this is not self-evident for over 17 years.

“Now is the time to convert that peak in attention into sustainable impact. As long as young people have insufficient knowledge of online sexual abuse and online sexual harassment, its impact is underestimated and respect and consent are not self-evident in our society, young people will remain vulnerable. Prevention and structural behavioral change are therefore crucial,” says Nathalie Gaal-Franse, policy advisor at Fonds Slachtofferhulp .

Manouk Vermeulen, from Rutgers, says: “It is important that young people can also grow up safely online, this collaboration contributes to that.” Evelien Spek, from Soa Aids Nederland, adds: “We are grateful for the opportunity that the KPN Mooiste Contactfonds offers us. Thanks to this unique collaboration, we are working on both sides of the coin: giving young people the tools to keep their online world fun and safe. Together we focus on good information provision and structural behavioral change— online, at home with parents and at school.”