Lowering of risks from Internet use through education of elementary and high school pupils as the most vulnerable category having access to Internet content, but also parents, teachers and the public in recognizing abuse cases. Moreover, responsibility for Internet abuse, which leaves long-term consequences, should be enhanced with sanctions, said participants at the lecture held on occasion of Safer Internet Day in Skopje-based high school "Nikola Karev" on Tuesday.

"Cyber molesting and false identification will be the first highlighted abuses included in the Criminal Code", said Violeta Gjorgjievska, chairwoman of association Internet Hotline Provider Macedonia.

Association research has shown that ten percent of respondents have symptoms of Internet abuse or are victims of such abuse.

For the purpose of increased Internet safety, the Government has established an advisory body, including numerous institutions and NGOs, and adopted an action plan towards development of a national strategy having European standards.

Minister of Information Society and Administration Ivo Ivanovski said daily Internet use carries risks of abuse, but institutions undertake appropriate measures.

"The national strategy and undertaken activities aim towards informing children, parents, teachers and the public in general that not all Internet content is good", added Ivanovski.

He stressed that elementary and high school pupils, who use the Internet mainly for communication through the social networks, should take into account that besides the useful aspect of that communication, data can be abused, thus producing lifelong consequences.

"I urge you to be cautious when using the social networks, think twice before putting something at your profile, be careful who you connect with. Everything you do on the Internet has the same consequences as in real life", added Ivanovski.

He said the Ministry and the advisory body would implement awareness raising campaigns, instructing parents and teachers in recognizing Internet abuse of children. Moreover, children will be educated to know what and where to report.

Theme for the 10th Safer Internet Day is online rights and responsibilities with slogan 'Connect with Respect.'