Data Protection for Children

28 January 2026

On the occasion of Data Protection Day 2026, marked on 28 January, the Office of the Information and Data Protection Commissioner (IDPC) is launching a video-based campaign accompanied by lesson plans for children aged 7 to 10. The aim of the campaign is to increase awareness among children in this age group – as well as their parents, guardians and educators – about the importance of protecting their personal data when using the internet and digital technologies.

Objectives of the campaign

This campaign aims to:

increase awareness of data protection when children are online
help children recognise risky online situations
encourage safer online behaviour and responsible sharing of personal data
support parents, guardians and educators in guiding children to stay safe online
promote understanding of data protection rights and principles in a child-friendly way

The campaign features an engaging animated educational video featuring a child named Gianni, as well as a resource booklet that includes structured lesson plans for classroom use and a dedicated section for educators explaining key data protection concepts in simple terms. These resources will help educators introduce key concepts, facilitate discussion and reinforce positive online behaviours through practical activities and examples.

The Resources: The Animated Video

As part of this initiative, the IDPC has produced a special animated video to help children and their families understand how to stay safe online, think before sharing personal information, and recognise common digital risks.

What the video covers:

using apps, games, and online platforms safely
understanding location tracking and its risks
keeping personal data safe from strangers online
being mindful of what you post or share
recognising when something doesn't feel right

The video uses fun and age-appropriate scenarios, featuring Gianni, to illustrate important concepts in ways children can easily understand and relate to their own experiences.

The video can be viewed here

The Resources: Resource Booklet

Alongside the campaign video, the IDPC has developed a comprehensive resource booklet for educators and children aged 7–10. The booklet includes lesson plans that build directly on the situations shown in the video, translating them into interactive, age-appropriate classroom activities for children. It also contains a dedicated section for educators, explaining key data protection concepts in simple terms so teachers feel confident and supported when delivering the lessons.

The resource pack contains a structured teaching programme that covers key topics such as personal data, online sharing, passwords, app permissions and children’s data protection rights under the General Data Protection Regulation. Each lesson includes clear learning outcomes, discussion prompts, examples linked to the video story and practical activities that encourage participation and reflection. Educators are supported with simple explanations of terms such as personal data, processing, and rights, ensuring they feel confident addressing students’ questions.

The lessons are designed to connect theory with everyday digital experiences children recognise — such as taking selfies, playing online games, using apps and interacting on social platforms. Through guided conversations and activities, children learn to think before they share, understand who can see their photos, create strong passwords and recognise when apps are asking for unnecessary information. The plans also introduce children to their data protection rights, empowering them to speak up if something feels unsafe or unfair.

These lesson plans can be used in primary classrooms, school assemblies or at home with parents. They are designed to promote a whole-school approach to online safety and privacy awareness, reinforcing responsible digital behavior and respect for others. By combining the video with structured lessons, the campaign ensures that learning does not end when the video finishes, but continues through guided discussion, reflection, and practical exercises.

Download the Resource Booklet here

Building Digital Citizenship for the Future

By investing in children’s digital literacy today, Malta is helping to build a safer and more respectful online environment for the future. Teaching children to protect their personal information:

strengthens their online safety
encourages responsible digital citizenship
promotes lifelong respect for data protection rights

The combined use of videos and lesson plans ensures that learning is interactive, age-appropriate, and sustainable over time.

The personal use of electronic devices by young children should take place under the supervision of their parents or legal guardians.