On February 11, coinciding with Safer Internet Day, the Digital Markets service of the Luxembourg competition authority attended the presentation of the fourth edition of the BEE SECURE Radar report. This report focuses on current trends in the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) by young people in Luxembourg.

The report provides insights into various trends regarding ICT usage and associated risks. Surveys conducted in 2023-2024 reveal key concerns among respondents, including excessive smartphone use for both parents and teachers, as well as for the youth themselves. Other significant issues highlighted include screen time, misinformation, age-inappropriate content, data protection, influencer impact, and cyberbullying.

Among adolescents aged 12 to 16, concerns about cyberbullying and sexual content were particularly prominent. Notably, a large majority of respondents, including teenagers, expressed support for age verification measures to access inappropriate content.

During the Q&A session, Romy Schaus, head of the Digital Markets service, emphasized the European Commission's approach through the Digital Services Act (DSA). This legislation mandates online platforms to implement measures ensuring a high level of protection for minors, their privacy, safety, and security.

The DSA aims to create a safe and responsible online environment, imposing specific rules on online intermediary services, with additional obligations for very large platforms that reach over 10% of the 450 million consumers in Europe. As the Digital Services Coordinator for the DSA's implementation in Luxembourg, the competition authority ensures these rules are effectively applied in the country.