The Safer Internet Centre in Albania – iSIGURT.al, held the kick-off meeting of the NetSMARTkids – a joint project of CRCA/ECPAT Albania and the Digital Europe Programme of the European Commission, in partnership with ALO 116-111: The Albanian National Child Helpline. The meeting was welcomed by the vice-Minister of Health and Social Protection, Mrs. Denada Seferi, and other long-term partners, such as: the National Cyber Security Authority, National Police Authority, National Agency for Child Rights and Protection etc.


“The digital space has become unsafe and dangerous for children and young people. According to iSIGURT.al and ALO 116-111 data shared during the meeting, the number of incidents reported each year by children and adolescents has tripled. This reality needs to change. The digital space should be safe for every child,” said Altin Hazizaj, Director of CRCA/ECPAT Albania.

NetSMARTKIDS aims to strengthen the Safer Internet Center in Albania, through the support of iSIGURT.al and ALO 116-111 in Albania, to protect children from online sexual violence and exploitation, as well as from any other danger in the digital space.

The initiative is built on three main blocks: public awareness of children, parents and teachers to improve digital skills and understanding of the online risks; strengthen the capacities of public authorities and civil society to protect children from digital harms and; empower children and young people to participate in decision-making to advocate for new policies and laws, while contributing to the establishment of a positive online ecosystem for children and young people, through the National Youth Media Lab.

The initiative will seek the support and commitment from all national and international partners, with the main objective of the joint fight against materials containing sexual violence and exploitation against children (CSAM).

NetSMARTkids will be implemented during the period September 2024 – February 2026 in partnership with ALO 116 Albania: The National Child Helpline, iSIGURT.al, civil society and a partner ministries’ of CRCA Albania. It will be implemented in all twelve counties of the country