In the Republic of Moldova, the national campaign “Let’s Use AI Safely” was launched, dedicated to ensuring children’s online safety.
The International Center “La Strada,” in partnership with the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, the Ministry of Education and Research, the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization, and the General Police Inspectorate, is launching the national campaign “Let’s Use Artificial Intelligence (AI) Safely!”, dedicated to Safer Internet Day 2026.
The campaign will be carried out nationwide during February–March 2026 and aims to increase awareness and understanding of emerging online risks, particularly those associated with the use of artificial intelligence, as well as to promote open dialogue between parents and children about digital safety.
The launch event will take place on February 6, 2026, at the Government building, through a press conference presenting the authorities’ priorities, the campaign objectives, and the planned activities. At the same time, the photo exhibition “Parents & Children in the Digital Age” will be inaugurated, highlighting intergenerational relationships in an increasingly connected world. Through powerful imagery, the exhibition explores how technology influences communication, education, play, and the boundaries between online and offline life. The exhibition will subsequently travel to several localities across the country.
Present at the event, Natalia Plugaru, Minister of Labour and Social Protection, stated: “Protecting children in the digital environment is a priority for the Government and a shared responsibility of families, schools, and public institutions. In the context of the rapid development of artificial intelligence, it is essential to provide children not only with access to technology, but also with the skills to use it safely and responsibly. Through this campaign, we aim to strengthen prevention efforts, support parents and professionals working with children, and build a safer digital environment where the rights and well-being of every child are protected.”
Valentina Olaru, State Secretary at the Ministry of Education and Research, emphasized that for the education system, artificial intelligence is not a topic of the future, but a present-day reality in schools. Children are already using it for learning, creativity, and communication, and this reality must be pedagogically harnessed. “Our priority is for schools to provide clear guidance: how to use artificial intelligence safely, but also as a tool to support learning, without replacing students’ critical thinking, autonomy, and responsibility. The Ministry of Education and Research will continue to develop policies, resources, and training to help students and teachers use and integrate these technologies in a balanced and educational manner. Today’s event seeks to strengthen awareness among all beneficiaries of the education system regarding the need for children to use artificial intelligence safely, ethically, and responsibly.”
“In 2026, vulnerability no longer means lack of internet access, but using it to cause harm. With 40% of child abuse cases involving AI-generated content, the impact is real even when the images are synthetic. Our response must outpace the threat through education, clear standards, and intervention. Online safety is not optional; it is public infrastructure” said Michelle Iliev, State Secretary at the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization.
“Today we are launching the national campaign ‘Let’s Use AI Safely’ to underline the Police’s commitment to protecting the digital safety of all citizens, especially young people, in all spaces, including the online environment. Artificial intelligence technologies offer enormous opportunities, but they can also create risks if not used responsibly. On Safer Internet Day, we call on everyone — children, parents, teachers, and the wider community — to understand these technologies, remain vigilant, and use digital tools safely. We stand alongside our partners — public authorities, educational communities, and civil society — to promote good practices, prevent abuse, and create a safe online environment for children, young people, and adults. Together, we can turn artificial intelligence into a useful, responsible, and safe tool for all. Together, we can have an open, useful, and above all safe internet for everyone” stated Alexandru Lupan, Deputy Head of the General Police Inspectorate.
The Executive Director of the International Center “La Strada,” Elena Botezatu, declared that children’s online safety is a shared responsibility, and the data recorded confirms the need for firm and coordinated action. “At the national level, in 2025, the SigurOnline Hotline registered 147 reports concerning online child sexual abuse materials, of which 37% were generated with the help of artificial intelligence. These figures reflect not only the scale of a growing phenomenon, but also the urgency of strengthening prevention, education, and intervention efforts. Through the campaign ‘Let’s Use AI Safely,’ we aim to support parents, teachers, and children in understanding the risks associated with emerging technologies and to promote a culture of responsibility and protection in the digital space” emphasized Elena Botezatu.
Through this campaign, the organizers aim to support the educational environment with resources on the safe use of artificial intelligence; increase parents’ and caregivers’ awareness of online risks, including deepfakes and privacy violations; promote the responsible and ethical use of AI by children and adolescents; and enhance the visibility of support and reporting mechanisms, such as the Child Helpline – 116 111 and the platform www.siguronline.md.
The campaign agenda includes public events for parents and children, a video spot for parents, informative activities in educational institutions nationwide, educational programs dedicated to the responsible use of technologies, national student competitions, and an extensive media awareness campaign.
Data from an international study conducted by the organization Thorn show that one in ten children knows someone who has used artificial intelligence tools to generate nude images of other children. The consequences of this phenomenon are severe: although the materials are fake, the trauma experienced by victims is real. Affected children face deep emotional harm, including anxiety, social isolation, harassment, and long-term reputational damage. These trends represent a challenge for educational institutions, which must adapt policies and educational programs to keep pace with the rapid evolution of technology.
The results of a survey conducted among teachers nationwide indicate that 88% of participating children use artificial intelligence, and 61% use AI daily or several times per week. Additionally, one in three children uses AI to create images or videos; every second child uses AI to complete homework assignments; and one in four children uses AI to discuss personal matters. These topics include health-related questions, relationships with parents, intimate subjects, or seeking advice during moments of sadness or depressive states. 81% of children who used AI stated that the responses they received were helpful.
We recall that each year, on the second Tuesday of February, Safer Internet Day (SID) is marked globally under the theme “Together for a Better Internet.” Since 2017, the International Center “La Strada” has represented the SID Committee in Moldova and annually coordinates, in partnership with relevant authorities, activities aimed at informing and raising awareness about various aspects of children’s online safety.
Moreover, since 2020, the International Center “La Strada” has become a member association of the European Safer Internet Centre+ program. Funded by the European Commission, the program brings together organizations with similar missions to promote child protection online through awareness-raising and information activities, support services for children and parents regarding online risks, child participation initiatives, and hotline services for reporting child sexual abuse materials. In the Republic of Moldova, all these services are provided through the platform www.siguronline.md, which since April 2023 has integrated an option for reporting child sexual abuse materials, internationally accredited by the global INHOPE network.
The campaign “Let’s Use AI Safely” is organized by the International Center “La Strada” in coordination with the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, the Ministry of Education and Research, the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization, and the General Police Inspectorate, with the support of the Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children Fund – Safe Online. The media partner of the campaign is the platform www.suntparinte.md.
For further information, please contact:
International Center “La Strada”
Phone: +373 79 454 344, Elena Căpățînă, Communications Officer
E-mail: comunicare@lastrada.md
Web: www.lastrada.md
