In a statement, the PSP explains that the operation will run until Friday and aims to raise awareness among the school community about the risks associated with irresponsible use of the internet and new technologies.

Through this operation, developed by the Safe School Program Teams (EPES), the PSP also joins Safer Internet Day, which this year is celebrated on 10 February.

The PSP reminds us that the use of new technologies at an increasingly early stage of children’s and young people’s lives has promoted a rapid spread of images and messages that promote insecurity, warning that threats, assaults, insults, defamation, and invasion of privacy often occur remotely, a situation that is difficult for parents to control.

In addition to cyberbullying and hate speech on social media, the PSP (Portuguese Public Security Police) also warns of a widespread increase in crime committed through new technologies, such as fraud.

In this operation, the PSP will provide self-protection guidelines to the entire school community, enabling students, teachers, operational assistants, and parents/guardians to use the internet safely.

It also emphasises the need for parents and/or guardians to monitor the activities of young people in this digital age, reminding them that parental control plays a fundamental role and that the family should be the first line of detection of signs and support for children and young people who are victims of violent online behaviour.

In its statement, the PSP (Portuguese Public Security Police) also highlights the challenges posed by the evolution of new technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, noting the difficulty of distinguishing real content from fake content, which contributes to the spread of misinformation.

It also warns about the "exacerbated and uncontrolled" use of the internet, highlighting the problems of addiction and noting that the time spent using the internet, social networks, and online games has been increasing among increasingly younger children and young people.