Italy has introduced new legislation to protect children online, aiming to prevent abuse and minimize the vulnerability of young people. This normative has been promoted by the Ministry of Health and the General Secretary for Digital Security, with the help of entities such as the Cariplo Foundation and the General Directorate for Personal Data Protection (DGPDP). The Ministry has also launched a research project entitled 'Food for Safety', focusing on how digital technologies can be used to improve the digital security of children.

This project is led by the National Institute for Research and Technological Development (INRIT) and the General Directorate for Digital Security (DGSD). Additionally, the Italian government decided to create a national agency for the protection of children's online safety, called 'Guardia'. This agency will be responsible for monitoring and managing resources available to protect children online.

Another important aspect is collaboration between various sectors. For example, the General Directorate for Digital Security has signed agreements with international organizations to provide support to the security policies in EU member states. Italian authorities have also put into effect a series of awareness-raising and training programs for educators and fathers, with the aim of helping them better understand the challenges of online safety and adopt effective strategies to protect children online.

However, despite these advances, criticism has increased. Some family groups and child rights defense associations have declared that proposed measures are insufficient and that Italy should do more to ensure the safety of children online. The issue persists: while authorities seek the right form of protection, families and educators feel under pressure to find alternative or less rigid solutions.

Research on children's online safety continues to be necessary to find an equilibrium between protection and internet freedom.