In presenting the Safer Internet programme, the EU Commissioner for the information society and the media, Viviane Reding, states: "Nowadays, children start very early to surf the web and use mobile technology, and when they become teenagers they are veritable experts in web surfing and technology". According to Reding, this "technology helps them study and offers them new, exciting socialisation opportunities, so they often learn to use them faster than their parents. However, we must make sure that, when children use online or mobile services, they may recognise potential risks and address them". The programme will fund projects to: raise public awareness (which means "providing children, parents and teachers with tools to make responsible online choices, advising them on the precautionary measures they should take"); provide the public with a network of contacts that can be accessible through the Internet or by telephone to notify any illegal or harmful contents or conducts; promote self-regulation in this sphere.
