Madeleine Kaharascho Fridh, Coordinator Digifritids.se

#vitecherupp
What does the initiative mean? 

Digital free time is a completely new arena for us. From our point of view, it is important to be able to move quickly and ensure that children have a safe place where they can meet needs linked to movement, support for dealing with anxiety, but not least a channel that inspires knowledge about children's rights. We have been helped to build the site together with ustwo and have received support from Radiohjälpen, Skandia and the Erling Persson Foundation. The material comes not only from us and Generation Pep, but UR, Viaplay, Storytel and others have helped to fill the site with good content for children aged 6-12.

Why have you taken this initiative?

Both we and Generation Pep saw how children need a safe escape from reality at a time when there is a lot of anxiety and uncertainty. For many children, life is different now - they miss playing with friends, seeing their grandparents and going to leisure activities. That's why we've created a digital leisure space where children can have fun, but also have the opportunity to share how they feel now and be guided to support.

Why is it important to do this right now? 

Children's concerns and vulnerability do not stop. Right now, many children feel that their lives have changed a lot because of the coronavirus. We meet children who feel anxious, can't play with their friends as they used to, or miss older relatives. They need a place where they can disconnect from everything else for a while and do something fun. That's why we created Digifritids, so that all children can have a meaningful and safe place to hang out when they are home from school or after-school activities.

What is most important for you to achieve? 

A first step is that children find their way to Digifritids and see it as a safe and fun place where they can have a stimulating leisure time and get the opportunity to support the children who need it. We know that screen time has increased in recent weeks and with this initiative we also want to make it easier for guardians to recommend this place that is safe and provides opportunities for learning and development. Both yourself as a child, but also together with adults. Then, of course, we hope that we can continue to develop the website for a longer time through more collaborations.