The way forward for a safer cyberworld

The world wide web brought unlimited access to information and has revolutionised the entire world. The way that we think, conduct business, communicate and entertain ourselves have all changed thanks to the internet.

On the other hand, the internet is presenting us with new challenges and, while we must safeguard the principles of a free internet, we must ensure that the citizens are protected from any form of abuse, including online bullying and other digital dangers.

The conference “Type in LOVE, Type Out Hate” aims at increasing awareness on cyber-bullying, child sexual abuse online and other cyber-crimes, in order to prevent and contain them. This conference on digital dangers will help to create much needed alertness and attention regarding the possible dangers and consequential traumas that could be encountered online.

On Friday, 21st April, 2017, Hon. Marlene Mizzi MEP will be hosting the public conference “Type in LOVE, Type Out Hate” at the Excelsior Hotel Floriana, supported by the S&D group in the European Parliament, from 9.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m.

As the S&D spokesperson and shadow rapporteur on the CULT committee’s opinion “Combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography”, MEP Mizzi believes that politicians have the duty to defend and protect our children, who are the pillars of our society. This conference will help to stress the need for effective response and strong protection for our children in order to prevent this horrendous abuse from appearing online. This is a conference not to be missed by all those who are concerned with the dangers of the digital world children are exposed to.

“Type In LOVE, Type Out Hate” conference will bring together a variety of stakeholders including young people, parents and educators, government policy makers and civil society organisations to discuss this new age type of bullying – cyber-bullying, as well as online child sexual abuse.It aims to portray the benefits as well as the potential problems which are possible online. It will feature recognised keynote speakers and experts from Malta and the EU who will present prevention and intervention strategies, legislative updates and other topics in relation to cyber-bullying. Most importantly, this will be a golden opportunity to exchange views about a way forward.

H.E. Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, President of Malta, will give the opening speech. Keynote speeches will also be delivered by the Hon. Michael Farrugia, Minister for the Family and Social Solidarity; Hon. Emanuel Mallia, Minister for Competitiveness and Digital, Maritime and Service Economy; and Hon. Evarist Bartolo, Minister for Education and Employment. Other speakers include Pauline Miceli, Commissioner for Children; Dunstan Hamilton, PSCD (Personal, Social, and Career Development) Education Officer; Sandra Cortis, services manager at the Education Psycho-Social Services Department; representatives from the Cyber Crime police, the MCA, and other representatives from organisations involved in the fight against this heinous crime. Prof. Andrew Azzopardi will be moderating the conference.

“Type in LOVE, Type Out Hate” is free of charge. Lunch will be served to the attendees. Those interested should book a seat either by registering online on http://mizzimarlene.com/register/, by emailing[email protected] or by calling 21 226 845. Book in advance since seating is on a first come, first served basis.