21 February 2024
Dear all,
The ways families engage with digital technologies are complex and have varying effects. Recently, we commemorated Safer Internet Day 2024 by issuing a statement calling on EU stakeholders to ensure that children are safe from sexual abuse online. Policymakers and technology companies must take responsibility for ensuring the online safety of children, rather than placing the burden solely on families. You can read the media release here.
Scroll down to read more news impacting families across Europe.
Bettina
Senior Communication Officer
COFACE Families Europe
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First ministerial meeting of the Belgian presidency on the future of social Europe
2 minutes reading
In January 2024, the first ministerial meeting under the Belgian Presidency of the European Union brought together the Ministers for Employment and Social Affairs in the Walloon capital of Namur. During the first day, Ministers discussed how social policies should be reflected in the strategic agenda of the EU institutions after the European elections. [...]
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#MakeItWork - a campaign from the European Commission to promote work-life balance
2 minutes reading
The #MakeItWork campaign, spearheaded by the Commission, is dedicated to championing the importance of achieving a harmonious work-life balance. Through this initiative, the Commission strives to raise awareness about the significance of balancing professional commitments with personal and family responsibilities. [...]
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Guidelines on European Accessibility Standards
1-minute reading
The European Accessibility Resource Centre has recently published comprehensive guidelines outlining Accessibility Standards at the European level. This document provides information on why standards related to accessibility matter, no matter if you are a person with disabilities, an expert on accessibility, a legislator, a procurer, a manufacturer or a service provider. [...]
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The fight against child sexual abuse receives new impetus with updated criminal law rules
3 minutes reading
In early February, the Commission adopted a proposal to update the criminal law rules on child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation. Child sexual abuse is a heinous crime which has evolved significantly over the past years. These revised rules expand the definitions of offences and introduce higher penalties and more specific requirements for prevention and assistance to victims. [...]
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Addressing family challenges: Gezinsbond launches the Family Cabinet
1-minute reading
What support do families truly need when they encounter challenges? To find out, the Gezinsbond & Kenniscentrum Gezinswetenschappen - Odisee University College launch the 'Gezinskabinet' - Family Cabinet'. This initiative aims to foster a collaborative dialogue on pressing family-related issues and influence policy decisions accordingly. [...]
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The first 1,000 days of motherhood: more psychological and social support in Lithuania
3 minutes reading
COFACE’s Lithuanian member, the National Assembly of Active Mothers (NAMS), recently engaged in a public dialogue alongside other NGOs, social services, and professionals to address the critical issue of mental health within families, with a particular focus on supporting mothers. The discussions referred to emotional support and assistance to families on depression, the signs and recognition of melancholy and postnatal depression, ways to help and societal stereotypes. [...]
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Closing the digital divide: Isadora Duncan Foundation's new workshop for immigrant women
1-minute reading
The Isadora Duncan Foundation, a member of COFACE in Spain, is introducing a new workshop tailored for immigrant women. This initiative aims to equip participants with essential digital literacy skills, enabling them to access various online services efficiently and securely. [...]
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An inclusive learning platform for persons with intellectual disabilities by APEMH
2 minutes reading
COFACE member APEMH has introduced a learning platform in French and Luxembourgish with a variety of subjects explaining in a friendly way daily topics that will make the life of persons with disabilities easier. It is noteworthy that this project of the Learning Platform was co-constructed from start to finish with persons with disabilities, who are also involved in the podcasts of the Platform. [...]
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OPINION – Digital Services Act: New EU rules to protect and empower minors online
4 minutes reading
The environments that children are growing up in today are drastically different from the ones that we have known in the past. However, one thing is still the same: children and teens want to follow their curiosities, learn who they are and connect with other kids. Today they can do this from the palm of their hands. [...]
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