Connected Worlds: How Youth Navigate Technology at Home and in the Classroom
2026-02-10 07:00 - 08:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual Webinar
Young people move between home and school every day, carrying their digital lives with them. Yet the expectations, rules, and responses they encounter in each space are often misaligned. This Safer Internet Day webinar brings together youth panelists and experts from FOSI, NoFiltr, and Discovery Education for a conversation on how young people experience technology in their daily lives, and how adult responses shape trust, communication, and confidence.
Grounded in youth perspectives, the session examines where adult assumptions may fall short, how differing approaches across home and school affect young people, and what realistic, supportive adult engagement looks like in practice. Rather than focusing on tools or restrictions, the discussion centers on relationships, communication, and consistency. Click here here to register.

FOSI Briefs the Hill Roundtable, Online Safety Research and Policy: New Data, New Bills, Same Stagnation?
2026-06-02 06:00 - 09:00 | 1101 17th St NW, Suite 200, Washington DC 20006, 1101 17th Street NW, Washington, DC, 20006, United States
Online safety remains a paramount issue for families around the world as technologies, laws, and research all continue to focus on young people’s digital lives. FOSI believes that the best public policies are grounded in evidence, even if compelling anecdotes and narratives help build momentum for a specific bill. Our latest FOSI Briefs the Hill will convene key researchers and policy stakeholders to present and discuss the latest data in this space, to improve and inform domestic policies.
This in-person event will open with two research presentations focused on teens’ and parents’ online safety habits and perspectives. Alanna Powers-O’Brien will begin with takeaways from FOSI’s recurring Online Safety Survey, and Jeffery Gottfried will emphasize the top highlights from Pew Research Center’s youth internet and technology studies. The discussion will then move into how to use these findings in policy discussions, focusing on what laws Congress should prioritize to improve online safety.
Coffee and lunch will be provided. Please reach out to events@fosi.org if you have any questions or are interested in participating.

FOSI 2026 European Forum
2026-06-09 | Google Headquarters in Brussels, Chau. d'Etterbeek 180, Brussels, 1040, Belgium
Finding Common Ground
On June 9th, 2026, the Family Online Safety Institute hosted its European Forum at Google’s Brussels office, bringing together leaders from government, industry, academia, and civil society to explore one of the most important questions in online safety today: how do we protect children online while preserving the opportunities and benefits that technology provides?
Under the theme Finding Common Ground, the Forum focused on where policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, educators, and young people can work together to create safer online experiences. Discussions throughout the day examined evolving regulation, emerging research, youth perspectives, parental support, and safety by design.
The morning sessions explored how online safety policy is taking shape across Europe, with regulators discussing the Digital Services Act, AI Act, age assurance efforts, and broader debates around children’s online experiences. Attendees also heard from OpenAI and Apple, bringing industry perspectives to the conversation around family safety and digital wellbeing.
One of the most memorable moments of the day came from the youth representatives of Belgium’s Child Focus organization. Speaking candidly about problematic content, identity exploration, and the realities of growing up online, they reminded attendees why young people must be included in conversations that directly impact their digital lives.
The morning concluded with a powerful fireside conversation between Stephen Balkam and Ian Russell, Chair of the Molly Rose Foundation. Reflecting on the loss of his daughter Molly and his ongoing advocacy efforts, Ian challenged attendees to consider whether progress is happening quickly enough to address the risks facing young people online.
The afternoon focused on solutions. Following an update from the United Kingdom’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and a conversation with TikTok Global Youth Council member Tende Amery, experts examined the latest research on children’s digital wellbeing and the impact of technology policy on children’s rights.
During the Forum, Sarah Bean unveiled FOSI’s latest research, Australian Children’s and Parents’ Perceptions of the Recent Social Media Ban, which explored how attitudes toward Australia’s social media restrictions have evolved since implementation.
A recurring theme throughout the day was the importance of balancing protection with participation. Discussions on safety by design, parental support, and video game safety highlighted how thoughtful product design, age-appropriate safeguards, and collaboration across sectors can help create safer online experiences without excluding young people from the digital world.
Stephen Balkam closed the event by thanking speakers, attendees, and partners for their contributions to a day centered on collaboration, evidence, and shared responsibility. While perspectives differed, a common message emerged: protecting children online requires governments, industry, researchers, parents, and young people themselves to work together toward solutions that are both effective and empowering.
Event Highlights

Discussions on the future of online safety policy across Europe, including the DSA, AI Act, and age assurance initiatives
Youth perspectives from Child Focus and TikTok’s Global Youth Council
Fireside conversations with OpenAI, Apple, Ian Russell, Epic Games, and PEGI
Research launch: Australian Children’s and Parents’ Perceptions of the Recent Social Media Ban
Sessions on children’s rights, digital wellbeing, safety by design, and parental support

Thu Nov 19

FOSI 2026 Annual Conference: 20 Year Anniversary

November 19, 2026, 8:00 am - 6:30 pm

Join us for the FOSI 2026 Annual Conference: 20 Year Anniversary, a milestone event celebrating two decades of leadership in online safety. Read More »

Register »

FOSI 2026 Annual Conference
2026-11-19 | Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, D.C.1300 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, D.C., MD, 20004, United States
Early Bird Registration is Now Open! Click Here to Register.

Join us for the FOSI 2026 Annual Conference: 20 Year Anniversary, a milestone event celebrating two decades of leadership in online safety under the theme, The Past, Present, and Future of Online Safety. The conference will bring together leaders from government, industry, academia, and civil society to reflect on two decades of progress and discuss what’s next for online safety.

This year’s agenda will explore a range of topics shaping the landscape including AI, age assurance, youth well-being, new research, legislation, and the partnerships that continue to drive progress across the field. Together, these conversations will examine how we can better support children and families in today’s evolving digital world.

Don’t miss this gathering dedicated to shaping the next chapter of online safety—register now at the Early Bird discounted rate.

For attendees interested in booking accommodations, FOSI has secured a room block at the JW Marriott. Hotel reservations can be made here:
https://book.passkey.com/event/51257794/owner/559/home

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Thu Nov 19

FOSI 2026 Annual Conference: 20 Year Anniversary

November 19, 2026, 8:00 am - 6:30 pm

Join us for the FOSI 2026 Annual Conference: 20 Year Anniversary, a milestone event celebrating two decades of leadership in online safety. Read More »

Register »
