Internet use in Bulgaria is big and while that has many benefits it also carries many risks, particularly for children. As in most countries, youngsters surfing the cyber highway are at risk from sexual predators and fraudsters who lurk at the other end of the screens, their true identity often camouflaged.

Tackling the problem head on

To tackle the potential dangers head-on, a number of projects have been launched in the country with UK help, one entitled Child on the Web.

For the last three years, the British Embassy in Bulgaria has supported the initiative which is run with the State Agency for Child Protection, the Bulgaria Foundation and international IT companies based in the country.

The project - originally conducted by the Nobody's Children Foundation in Poland with financial support from the British Embassy in Warsaw - aims to protect children from possible internet threats, such as giving out personal information which predators can exploit.

A message that hits home

First came a research campaign to understand how Bulgarian youngsters use the Internet. A nation-wide media campaign then followed carrying the message "You never know who's on the other side". This was focused on telling parents the risks about children's contact with strangers over the web. The campaign included a video broadcast on 10 Bulgarian TV channels, as well as billboards and posters around the country's cities and towns. The campaign even won an award at the Bulgarian Business Leaders' Forum in November 2006.

Child on the Web, now in its third phase, is focusing on providing educational tools for teachers and organisations working in the area of children's rights. A permanent website with material about internet safety is also being created.

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Child on the Web is expected to conclude in summer 2008.