DNS Belgium's new campaign is calling on everyone to help strengthen senior citizens' digital resilience: “Together for online safety"
- Samen Veilig Online in Dutch
- Tous connectés, tous protégés in French
Not only senior citizens themselves but the people around them play a key role: children, grandchildren, neighbours, volunteers, and caregivers.
The message is clear: you don’t need to be an expert to help someone feel safer online.
Online fraud: Shame and guilt stop many victims from speaking out
More and more senior citizens are active online, but they’re also vulnerable to digital fraud. Criminals exploit trust, fear and a lack of knowledge, sometimes stealing thousands of euros.
Yet, victims often remain silent, unable to share their stories due to shame or guilt. DNS Belgium aims to break that pattern with this campaign.
Solution: practical tools and community support
The campaign focuses on relatable stories, accessible tips, and non-patronising assistance. Digital helpers are thus given clear guidelines on how to talk to parents, grandparents or acquaintances.
Key materials:
- Video testimonies of real victims.
- A user-friendly brochure to identify fraudulent messages.
- Answers to frequently asked questions.
- Information and assistance in case of potential fraud.
Everything is available on samenveiligonline.be and tousconnectéstousprotégés.be.
Online and offline campaign
The campaign will run on social media and other digital channels to reach senior citizens who are active online and the people around them.
The brochures will also be distributed via Digibanks, EPNs, senior citizen associations, libraries, local governments and other social organisations, to also reach people who are less digitally skilled.
Thanks to the experts and hands-on experts
DNS Belgium developed this campaign in collaboration with organisations that work with senior citizens and vulnerable groups every day.
Thank you to: Safeonweb, Digital Ageing, the federal police (cyberprevention), Febelfin and various digital helpers. Their input ensured the campaign is respectful, practical, and accurate.
The testimonies shared by victims also deserve a special thank you. Their openness made the difference.
With this article, we support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.