Institute for Research and Education
in Digital Technologies and Cybersecurity

The Institute for Research and Education in Digital Technologies and Cybersecurity is a modern academic and research center focused on the study and development of solutions in the fields of online safety, media literacy, and the use of advanced technologies in education — including artificial intelligence.

Our work addresses major challenges of the digital environment, including cyberbullying, cyber grooming, sexting, disinformation, misinformation, and online fraud. A significant part of our research and educational efforts is dedicated to the risks associated with social media platforms, especially those affecting children, adolescents, and vulnerable users. We closely examine the psychological, social, and technological aspects of digital communication and harmful online behavior.

The Institute actively conducts scientific research, develops educational programs for schools and professionals, creates digital prevention and intervention tools, and contributes to national and international legislation. We also explore how digital technologies — including AI — can support safer, more effective learning environments.

The Institute builds on the expertise of the Centre for the Prevention of Risky Virtual Communication, which laid the foundation for many of our current projects and long-term strategies. Over the years, the Institute/Centre has received numerous national and international awards for its contribution to digital education and online safety.

Our awards: Bronze Medal of the Deputy President of the Police 2023, Cyberprize Best Project 2023 (1st place), Best Project of Crime Prevention 2023 (1st place), European Crime Prevention Award 2015 (1st place, national round), European Crime Prevention Award 2015 (4st place, European round), European Crime Prevention Award 2009 (3rd place, national round), Important project of Olomouc Region 2015, Honorable Recognition of Rector of Palacký University (5x), Lemur 2020 (best campaign).

We collaborate with a wide range of partners, including the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, the Ministry of the Interior, the Police of the Czech Republic, and numerous private sector companies. These partnerships allow us to connect academic expertise with real-world practice and support innovation in the field of digital risk prevention and education.

The Institute conducts applied and contract-based research focused on the safety of children, adolescents, and adults in the digital environmen. We study risk phenomena associated with modern technologies and digital communication, including cyberbullying, cyber grooming, sexting, harmful content, sharenting, deep nudes, online manipulation, disinformation, and online fraud.

Our research team explores both psychological and behavioral aspects of digital risks, as well as the legal, technical, and educational contexts. We analyze the impact of online threats on various population groups, identify emerging risk behaviors, and develop evidence-based tools and interventions for prevention and support.

An important part of our research is dedicated to the use and potential misuse of artificial intelligence in education. We investigate how AI tools affect the learning process, student behavior, and the overall digital culture in schools, while also identifying ethical and safety concerns related to their implementation.

In addition to grant-funded academic research, the Institute also carries out contract research and expert analyses for schools, government institutions, and private sector partners. We regularly publish the results of our research in prestigious peer-reviewed journals indexed in international databases such as Web of Science and Scopus.

Our work contributes not only to the advancement of scientific knowledge in the field of online safety and digital risk prevention, but also to shaping public policy, educational strategies, and digital competence development at both national and international levels.

Interdisciplinary research group

prof. Mgr. Kamil Kopecký, Ph.D.
(head of group)

doc. PhDr. René Szotkowski, Ph.D.

Mgr. Dominik Voráč, Ph.D.

PhDr. Jana Kvintová, Ph.D.

Mgr. Pavla Dobešová, Ph.D.

Mgr. Veronika Krejčí

Research list

Scientific papers (Web of Knowledge) - examples

Morelli M., Rosati F., Cattelino E., Urbini F., Baiocco R., Bianchi D., Laghi F., Gasseau M., Sorokowski P., Misiak M., Dziekan M., Hudson H., Marshall A., Nguyen TT., Mark L., Kopecký K., Szotkowski R., Demirtaş ET., Ouytsel JV., Ponnet K., Walrave M., Zhu T., Chen Y., Zhao N., Liu X., Voiskounsky A., Bogacheva N., Ioannou M., Synnott J., Tzani C., Balakrishnan V., Okumu M., Small E., Nikolova SP., Drouin M., Ragona A., Chirumbolo A. (2025) Emotionally Tough, Sexting Rough: Investigating the Relationship Between Callous Unemotional Traits and Aggravated Sexting in 11 Countries. PSICOTHEMA. Vol. 37 (nº 3). 33-44. https://doi.org/10.70478/psicothema.2025.37.22

Kopecký, K. & Voráč, D.(2025) The Phenomenon of Deep Nudes – a New Threat to Children and Adults. AI & Society. (accepted)

Kopecký, K. & Voráč, D.(2025). Possibilities of using generative artificial intelligence to support education from the perspective of primary and secondary school students in the Czech Republic. Revista Electrónica Interuniversitaria de Formación del Profesorado, 28(2), 145-159. https://revistas.um.es/reifop/article/view/661521/382271

Novotný, J.S., Kvintová, J., Váchová, L., Szotkowski, R., Kopecký, K., Romero-Rodríguez, J.M. (2025) Exploring the Negative Consequences of Online Body Shaming: A Study of Czech Adolescents. J Child Fam Stud. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-025-03032-z

Kopecký, Kamil; Voráč, Dominik; Szotkowski, René; Krejčí, Veronika; Mackenzie, Karolína; Ramos-Navas-Parejo, Magdalena (2023). "Teachers in a world of information: Analysis on detecting false information". Profesional de la información, v. 32, n 5, e320501. https://doi.org/10.3145/epi.2023.sep.01

Romero-Rodríguez, J.M., Hinojo-Lucena, F.J., Kopecký, K. & García-González, A. (2023). Digital fatigue in university students as a consequence of online learning during the Covid-19 pandemic. Educación XX1, 26(2), 165-184. https://doi.org/10.5944/educxx1.34530

KOPECKÝ, K., SZOTKOWSKI, R., KREJČÍ, V. Gómez-García, G. Digital safety and its importance in teacher education. Analysis of children's online behaviour in the Czech and Polish context. (2022) Revista Interuniversitaria de Formación del Profesorado, 98(36.2),79-92. ISSN 0213-8646.

Kopecký, K., Voráč, D., Mikulcová, K., Krejčí, V., Gómez García, G. (2022) Disinformation and Its Negative Impact in The Changing World of Mass Media (Specifically Focused on the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Czech Republic). Libri. DeGruyter. https://doi.org/10.1515/libri-2021-0048

Romero-Rodríguez, José-M., Kopecký, K., García-González, A., Gómez-García, G. Sharing images or videos of minors online: Validation of the Sharenting Evaluation Scale (SES) (2022). Children and Youth Services Review, Volume 136, 106396, ISSN 0190-7409. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2022.106396.

Kopecký, K.; Fernández-Martín, F.-D.; Szotkowski, R.; Gómez-García, G.; Mikulcová, K. Behaviour of Children and Adolescents and the Use of Mobile Phones in Primary Schools in the Czech Republic (2021). Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health. 18, 8352. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18168352

Morelli M, Urbini F, Bianchi D, Baiocco R, Cattelino E, Laghi F, Sorokowski P, Misiak M, Dziekan M, Hudson H, Marshall A, Nguyen TTT, Mark L, Kopecky K, Szotkowski R, Toplu Demirtaş E, Van Ouytsel J, Ponnet K, Walrave M, Zhu T, Chen Y, Zhao N, Liu X, Voiskounsky A, Bogacheva N, Ioannou M, Synnott J, Tzani-Pepelasi K, Balakrishnan V, Okumu M, Small E, Pavlova Nikolova S, Drouin M, Chirumbolo A. (2021) The Relationship between Dark Triad Personality Traits and Sexting Behaviors among Adolescents and Young Adults across 11 Countries. Int J Environ Res Public Health. Mar 4;18(5):2526. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18052526. PMID: 33806314; PMCID: PMC7967332.

Morelli, M., Chirumbolo, A., Bianchi, D., Baiocco, R., Cattelino, E., Laghi, F., Sorokowski, P., Misiak, M., Dziekan, M., Hudson, H., Marshall, A., Nguyen, T. T. T., Mark, L., Kopecky, K., Szotkowski, R., Toplu Demirtaş, E., Van Ouytsel, J., Walrave, M., Zhu, T., Chen, Y., Zhao, N., Liu, X., Voiskounsky, A., Bogacheva, N., Ioannou, M., Synnott, J., Tzani-Pepelasis, K., Balakrishnan, V., Okumu, M., Small, E., Nikolova, S. P., & Michelle Drouin (2020). The Role of HEXACO Personality Traits in Different Kinds of Sexting: A Cross-Cultural Study in 10 Countries. Computers in Human Behavior. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2020.106502

AZNAR-DÍAZ, I. A., KOPECKÝ, K., SZOTKOWSKI, R., ROMERO-RODRÍGUEZ, J. M. R. (2020). Self-expression and addiction: Instagram use by Czech and Spanish university students. Plaridel. Advance online publication. http://www.plarideljournal.org/article/self-expression-and-addiction-instagram-use-by-czech-and-spanish-university-students/

DÍAZ, I. A., KOPECKÝ, K., RODRÍGUEZ, J. M. R., RECHE, M. P. C., & TORRES, J. M. T. (2020). Pathologies associated with problematic internet use. A systematic review and meta-analysis in wos and scopus. Investigacion Bibliotecologica. Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico. https://doi.org/10.22201/iibi.24488321xe.2020.82.58118

KOPECKÝ, Kamil a René SZOTKOWSKI. Sexting in the Population of Children and Its Risks: A Quantitative Study. (2018) International Journal of Cyber Criminology [online]. Vol. 12, no. 2, pp. 376-391. Dostupné z: doi:10.5281/zenodo.3365620

KOPECKÝ, Kamil a René SZOTKOWSKI. Specifics of Cyberbullying of Teachers in Czech Schools – A National Research. Informatics in Education [online] (2017). Vol. 16, no. 1, pp. 1–16. Dostupné z: doi:10.15388/infedu.2017.06

Diaz, I. A., Kopecký, K., Rodríguez, J. M., Trujillo Torres, J. M. Patologías asociadas al uso problemático de Internet. Una revisión sistemática y meta-análisis en WOS y Scopus. (2020) Investigacion Bibliotecologica,34,82,229-253. 2020. (IF 0.350)

KOPECKÝ, K., SZOTKOWSKI, R., GÓMEZ GARCÍA, G., HINOJO-LUCENA, F. J. (2020) Behaviour of Young Czechs on the Digital Network with a Special Focus on YouTube. Children and Youth Services Review, 116, 105191. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.105191

KOPECKÝ, K., SZOTKOWSKI, R., AZNAR-DÍAZ, I., & ROMERO-RODRÍGUEZ, J. M. (2020). The phenomenon of sharenting and its risks in the online environment. Experiences from Czech Republic and Spain. Children and Youth Services Review, 110, 104812. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.104812

KOPECKÝ, Kamil a René SZOTKOWSKI. Cyberbullying , cyber aggression and their impact on the victim - the teacher. (2017) Telematics and Informatics [online]. 34, 2. ISSN 0736-5853. Dostupné z: doi:10.1016/j.tele.2016.08.014

KOPECKÝ, Kamil. Online Blackmail of Czech Children Focused on “Sextortion” (Analysis of Culprit and Victim Behaviors). (2017) Telematics and Informatics [online]. 2017, roč. 34, č. 1, s. 11–19. ISSN 0736-5853. Dostupné z: doi:10.1016/j.tele.2016.04.004

KOPECKÝ, Kamil. Czech Children and Facebook – A Quantitative Survey. Telematics and Informatics [online]. (2016) roč. 33, č. 4, s. 950–958. ISSN 0736-5853. Dostupné z: doi:10.1016/j.tele.2016.02.008

KOPECKÝ, Kamil. Misuse of web cameras to manipulate children within the so-called webcam trolling. Telematics and Informatics [online]. (2016) roč. 33, č. 1, s. 1–7. ISSN 0736-5853. Dostupné z: doi:10.1016/j.tele.2015.06.005

KOPECKÝ, Kamil. Cyberbullying in a Population of Slovak Teenagers (Quantitative Research). Human Affairs [online]. (2016) roč. 26, č. 2, s. 117–127. ISSN 1337-401X. Dostupné z: doi:10.1515/humaff-2016-0013

TOMCZYK, Łukasz a Kamil KOPECKÝ. Children and Youth Safety on the Internet: Experiences from Czech Republic and Poland. (2015) Telematics and Informatics [online]. 2015, roč. 33, č. 3. ISSN 07365853. Dostupné z: doi:10.1016/j.tele.2015.12.003

KOPECKÝ, Kamil. Sexting among Czech preadolescents and adolescents. New Educational Review [online]. (2012) roč. 28, č. 2, s. 39–48. ISSN 1732-6729. Dostupné z: http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84864819528&partnerID=tZOtx3y1 (IF SJR 2014 0,206)

Quartile classification is based on current Web of Knowledge metrics (2025).

Since 2010, the Institute and its affiliated research teams have successfully implemented more than 100 grant-funded projects. These projects span a wide range of themes related to digital education, online safety, media literacy, technological innovation, and social responsibility.

We carry out both national and international projects. On the national level, we cooperate with ministries, state institutions, grant agencies, regional governments, municipalities, and private companies. At the international level, we participate in projects funded by the European Union and collaborate with numerous foreign academic and research institutions across Europe and beyond.

Our projects are aimed not only at producing academic knowledge, but also at creating practical outcomes with real social impact. Whether it's the development of educational tools, the implementation of large-scale prevention programs, or the creation of policy recommendations, we strive to address urgent issues affecting schools, families, and society as a whole.

Many of our project outcomes are actively used by public institutions, schools, NGOs, and policymakers. Some results have also contributed to shaping and updating national legislation in areas such as digital safety, education, and the protection of vulnerable groups in online environments.

We are proud to be supported by a wide range of partners from both the public and private sectors. Our corporate supporters include Microsoft, O2 Czech Republic, Google, ESET and ČSOB, while public institutional support comes from entities such as the Olomouc Region, the Statutory City of Olomouc, and the Statutory City of Ostrava. These partnerships enable us to connect academic expertise with practical solutions and long-term social impact.

The Institute is also a member of the international network CEDMO – Central Europe Digital Media Observatory, which brings together experts in media literacy, disinformation, and digital policy. Through this cooperation, we contribute to a broader European effort to promote responsible information behavior and strengthen democratic resilience in the digital age.

Researchers at Palacký University Olomouc have initiated a four-year interdisciplinary project titled ReDiKid: Resilient Child in the Digital World, aiming to enhance the physical, psychological, and social resilience of children aged 9 to 11 against the risks associated with digital technology use, such as cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, and social isolation. Led by experts from the Faculty of Physical Culture, the project involves collaboration with national and international institutions, including Yale University and Victoria University, and is funded by the Jan Amos Komenský Operational Programme. The research will analyze factors like physical activity, digital literacy, and school environment, employing both laboratory and real-life data collection methods. Outcomes will include the development of targeted educational and intervention programs for children, parents, and educators, as well as methodologies to inform policy and set new standards for child resilience research in digital contexts.

The HumanAId project, led by the Faculty of Arts at Charles University, aims to explore the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly large language models, into key societal domains such as democracy, education, and interpersonal communication. Running from March 2025 to December 2028 and funded by the Jan Amos Komenský Operational Programme, the interdisciplinary initiative addresses challenges like ensuring AI systems align with democratic values, effectively incorporating AI tools into primary and secondary education, and understanding the dynamics of human-AI communication. By combining technological advancements with humanities and social sciences perspectives, HumanAId seeks to develop responsible and interpretable AI applications that contribute to a sustainable and adaptive society.

The CEDMO 2.0 project aims to develop effective, evidence-based tools and policies to protect democratic societies from technologically driven manipulation in the digital media ecosystem. Running from September 2024 to April 2026 and funded through the EU’s National Recovery Plan, the project brings together an interdisciplinary consortium—including Charles University, Palacký University, the Czech Technical University, the Czech News Agency (ČTK), and Demagog.cz—to address disinformation, deepfakes, and algorithmic manipulation. By integrating legal, technological, social science, and media expertise, CEDMO 2.0 seeks to strengthen individual autonomy and institutional resilience in the face of digital threats to democratic processes.
Website - Dangers of artificial intelligence

The Central European Digital Media Observatory (CEDMO), as an independent non-partisan multidisciplinary hub, aims to identify, research and prioritise the most critical sources and causes of information disorders in Central Europe (mainly the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Poland). This international consortium was created to propose a set of short and longer-term actions, as well as recommendations to help civil society, public institutions and the private sector respond to the declining trust in key institutions and help society to resist the effect of increasing exposure to mis- and disinformation.

Brochures and other materials from CyberAcademy for download

The E-Bezpečí (E-Safety) project focuses on the prevention of risky behavior on the internet, targeting both students and teachers. It addresses key issues such as cyberbullying, cybergrooming, sexting, and the potential dangers of social media. The project delivers educational and preventive activities directly in schools across the Czech Republic, allowing experts to work with students and teachers in their natural learning environment. E-Bezpečí is an annual initiative that has been carried out continuously since 2010 and is supported by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic. More info

The CyberAcademy and Artificial Intelligence – Opportunities and Risks are two educational initiatives developed collaboratively by the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic and the E-Bezpečí team at Palacký University Olomouc. These projects aim to enhance the competencies of municipal and state police officers, as well as other community professionals, in preventing and addressing digital threats.

The CyberAcademy focuses on equipping participants with knowledge and tools to combat online risks such as cyberbullying, cyber grooming, sexting, online extortion, and various forms of internet fraud. It provides methodological materials, case studies, and preventive strategies tailored for educational settings.

Brochures and other materials from CyberAcademy for download

The Artificial Intelligence – Opportunities and Risks project addresses the challenges posed by the misuse of AI technologies, including the creation of deepfakes, deep nudes, and AI-generated scams. It offers a comprehensive guide on the ethical and legal aspects of AI, emphasizing the importance of responsible usage and awareness of potential abuses.

Both projects serve as vital resources for law enforcement and community workers, promoting proactive measures to safeguard individuals, especially youth, in the evolving digital landscape.

The Institute coordinates and implements the national project E-Bezpečí, which focuses on educational programs and prevention activities in the field of online safety, media literacy, artificial intelligence, and the responsible use of modern technologies. The project targets a wide range of audiences, including pupils in primary and secondary schools, teachers, parents, police officers, social workers, and also senior citizens.

In addition to this, the Institute operates a specialized educational lab known as Digidoupě (“Digital Den”), which provides hands-on training for teachers in the use of digital technologies in education.

So far, the Centre has carried out educational events for more than 250,000 primary school pupils, more than 5,000 police officers, more than 25,000 student teachers, 20,000 primary and secondary school teachers and more than 7,000 university teachers. We have also trained thousands of parents, psychologists, crime managers, etc.

Digidoupě - laboratory of educational technologies

The Digidoupě (Digital Den) laboratory, established at the Faculty of Education of Palacký University in Olomouc, serves as a hub for integrating modern information and communication technologies into education for both children and adults. This initiative focuses on leveraging digital tools to enhance motivation and interest in various scientific disciplines. The laboratory is accessible to students, educators, and others interested in incorporating digital technologies into teaching and learning processes.

Digidoupě aims to improve digital literacy among future teachers through teaching, projects, innovation, and research. It also supports current educators seeking to enhance their qualifications or explore new areas in digital education. Additionally, the laboratory assists undergraduate students aspiring to establish technology-oriented businesses by providing resources and guidance. For children, Digidoupě offers programs designed to spark interest in meaningful technology use, including thematic projects, content development, and prototyping. Furthermore, the laboratory focuses on designing tools that can be utilized in teaching and students' home preparation, thereby supporting the broader educational community.

The Institute for Research and Education in Digital Technologies and Cybersecurity collaborates with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports on legislative documents focused on the general primary prevention of risky behavior. As part of this cooperation, the Institute has developed official materials for the Ministry addressing key topics such as cyberbullying and risky sexual behavior. These materials form the basis for national prevention strategies and are binding for all schools across the Czech Republic, which are required to follow them in their preventive educational efforts.

Our team brings together experts in education, psychology, digital technologies, cybersecurity, media literacy, and communication. We combine academic knowledge with practical experience to develop innovative solutions with real impact. Below you can meet the key members of our team who contribute to the Institute's research, education, and outreach activities.

prof. Mgr. Kamil Kopecký, Ph.D.

(Director of Institute)

doc. PhDr. René Szotkowski, Ph.D.

(Deputy Director for Science)

Mgr. Dominik Voráč, Ph.D.

(Deputy Director for Project Agenda)

Mgr. Martina Křížová

(Head of the Administrative Section)

Bc. Pavel Schweiner

(Head of the Educational Section)

Bc. Lukáš Kubala

(Digidoupě Laboratory Manager)

Lectors, specialists, junior researchers

Mgr. Gabriela Špinarová, Ph.D.
Mgr. Veronika Vachalová
Mgr. Jana Miková
Mgr. Roman Kalianko
Slavoj Raszka
Hana Dosedla Pratesi
Mgr. Lucie Bihellerová
Mgr. Kateřina Svačková
PhDr. Ing. Vladimír Borský, MBA, LL.M.
Mgr. et Mgr. Veronika Křenek
Mgr. Michal Kříž, Ph.D.
Mgr. Petra Hrdinová
Mgr. Michal Jančík

The Institute for Research and Education in Digital Technologies and Cybersecurity actively welcomes collaboration with institutions, organizations, and individuals interested in advancing digital education, cybersecurity, media literacy, and innovation. We believe that shared expertise and international cooperation are key to addressing the complex challenges of today's digital world.

We are open to collaboration on both international and national projects and research initiatives. Our team regularly participates in grant-funded programs supported by the European Union, Czech ministries, academic institutions, and private companies. We also engage in contract research, publish in high-impact journals indexed in Web of Science and Scopus, and contribute to practical outcomes that influence public policy and education.

The Institute also supports research and academic internships, offering opportunities to PhD students, scholars, and educators from the Czech Republic and abroad. Interns can work with our team on scientific, educational, or development projects. In addition to collaboration on educational activities, we provide training and organize workshops focused on digital safety, AI in education, and media literacy.

Another important area of cooperation is the development of smart tools powered by artificial intelligence. We specialize in creating innovative digital solutions for education and online safety, such as analytical tools, educational platforms, and interactive applications. Communication is possible in English, Czech, Slovak, Spanish, and German, and we offer formal certificates to all collaborators and visitors, including Erasmus+ documentation and implementation certificates based on research outputs.