Safer Internet Day is celebrated annually on February 6th. It is a global effort to promote a safer and secure online environment for all users, especially children and young people.
The internet is an integral part of our daily lives. It has revolutionized how we communicate, access information, and conduct business. However, with this newfound convenience and freedom comes significant risks and challenges. Aspects that threaten internet safety include online harassment, cyberbullying, identity theft, exposure to harmful content and so on.
Safer Internet Day aims to raise awareness of these issues and promote responsible and safe online behavior, helping create a more secure and trusted digital environment for everyone.
What is Safer Internet Day?
Safer Internet Day is an international observance established by the European Union Agency for Network and Information Security (ENISA) in 2004. The goal of Safer Internet Day is to raise awareness and promote the safe and responsible use of the internet, especially among children and young people. The day provides an opportunity for individuals, organizations, and governments around the world to come together and engage in discussions and activities aimed at creating a safer and more secure online environment.
Think of SID as a digital check-up for your online habits. Just like you get regular physical check-ups to maintain your health, Safer Internet Day reminds you to assess and improve your online behavior to keep yourself and your personal information safe.
It's a day to reflect on how you can use the internet in a more secure and responsible way, whether it's by setting privacy settings, avoiding clicking on suspicious links, or being mindful of the information you share online.
The internet is like a big city, and just like you wouldn't wander around an unfamiliar city at night without taking precautions, you should be cautious about the information you share online. By participating in SID, you can learn how to stay safe online, just like you would learn how to stay safe in a new city.
Why is SID celebrated?
Safer Internet Day is celebrated to raise awareness about the importance of online safety and to promote responsible and secure use of technology and the internet. As the digital world continues to grow and expand, it is more important than ever to ensure that individuals, especially children and young people, have the knowledge and skills to use the internet safely and responsibly.
Imagine a world where everyone has the confidence to explore the full potential of the internet without fear of cyberbullying, online harassment, identity theft, or exposure to harmful content. This is the world that Safer Internet Day strives to create. By raising awareness and promoting safe and responsible online behavior, Safer Internet Day helps to create a digital environment that is inclusive, respectful, and secure for all users.
The internet is like a giant library, and just as you wouldn't want to stumble upon an inappropriate book in a library, you don't want to accidentally come across harmful content online.
Safer Internet Day celebrates the importance of being informed and informed users, knowing how to stay safe online, and reporting any suspicious or harmful content to the appropriate authorities.
Safer Internet Day is an opportunity for individuals, organizations, and governments around the world to come together and take a stand for a better, safer, and more inclusive internet. By promoting safe and responsible online behavior, Safer Internet Day helps to create a digital environment that is accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Related: Increase your website’s security without hiring an expert.
What is the theme of Safer Internet Day 2024?
The theme of Safer Internet Day 2024 is "Together for a better internet". This theme focuses on the importance of open and honest communication about our online experiences, both the positive and negative aspects.
It encourages individuals, families, and communities to have open and honest conversations about their experiences online. This can help us to understand each other's perspectives and find solutions to any problems that may arise. By making space for these conversations, we can work together to create a better and safer online environment for everyone.
In Safer Internet Day 2023 we are hoping to answer the following questions:
- What issues really matter to children and young people?
- What changes do they want to see?
- How can we all work together to advocate for them moving forward?
Safer internet centre in your country.
The official safer internet day website has a list of locations per country and initiatives going on, educational resources, and other functionalities for internet safety. Here are some ongoing initiatives you can expect around Asia:
What are the top ways to protect yourself online?
As the online world continues to connect us in new and exciting ways, it's important to remember that there are also risks associated with our online activities. SID, celebrated on Tuesday, 7 February 2023, is a great opportunity to reflect on the ways in which we can protect ourselves online. Here are the top ways to do so, based on advice from experts at the UK Safer Internet Centre, stakeholders at the European Commission, and online safety organizations such as ConnectSafely and Insafe.
Media literacy
A crucial aspect of online safety is media literacy, which involves being able to critically evaluate online content and sources. By developing media literacy skills, we can identify and avoid misinformation, scams, and other forms of harmful content.
Strong passwords
Using strong and unique passwords for your online accounts is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect yourself online. Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts and consider using a password manager to keep track of your login information.
Careful Sharing
Be mindful of what you share online, including personal information, photos, and opinions. Consider the potential audience for the content you're sharing, and think about how it could impact your self-esteem and relationships.
Keeping up-to-date
Stay informed about the latest online safety news and trends by following reliable sources such as the UK Safer Internet Centre, the European Commission, and ConnectSafely. You can also consult the online safety calendar on saferinternetday.org for a list of events and activities related to safer internet day.
Conversation starters
Use available resources to help families and friends discuss the responsible and safe use of technology. These conversations can help to build media literacy skills, increase awareness of online risks, and promote a better internet for everyone.
Online safety apps
There are a number of online safety apps available that can help you monitor your online activities and protect your privacy. Some popular options include Net Nanny, Qustodio, and Norton Family Premier.
Reach out for help
If you encounter an online safety issue or need support, there are a number of resources available to help you. The UK Safer Internet Centre helpline provides free and confidential advice on online safety issues. Additionally, many online safety organizations, including Insafe, offer resources and support for children, young people, and carers.
By incorporating these tips into your online activities, you can help to create a safer and better internet for everyone. Safer Internet Day is not just about a single day of the year, but about promoting a positive and safe online environment throughout the year. Policymakers, stakeholders, and individuals can all play a role in creating a safer online world, and it starts with having these important conversations and taking steps to protect yourself and others.
