Safer Internet Day is an event organised by the UK Safer Internet Centre, which aims to promote safe, responsible, and positive use of internet technology.
During this event, lots of local and national organisations come together to raise awareness about the best internet practices in order to protect children’s safety online. The Safer Internet Day slogan is, ‘Together for a better internet’. Topics of focus include:
- • consent
- • ownership
- • data privacy
- • cyberbullying
- • digital identity
- • social networks
The main goal of Safer Internet Day is to raise awareness and start a conversation about internet safety, particularly with young people who may not understand how to stay safe when using the internet. Unfortunately, one company alone cannot make the whole internet safe, but lots of people working together can have a big impact. The aim is to make a safer and better internet for everyone; children and adults alike!
When is Safer Internet Day?
This event is celebrated every year on a Tuesday in early February. Safer Internet Day 2023 will be on the 7th of February.
What is the theme of Safer Internet Day 2023?
Each year, Safer Internet Day covers a new theme. This year, the theme is ‘Want to talk about it? Making space for conversations about life online.’
The internet plays a huge part in the lives of young people today, with many playing games, posting on social media, and/or using video sharing platforms. It can be used positively, helping young people learn new skills, express themselves creatively, and strengthen social bonds. However, the use of many popular online platforms has also been linked to low self-esteem and anxiety. They also come with a set of safeguarding risks, including the pressure to participate in dangerous challenges to cyber-bullying.
It’s very important to provide young people with a safe space where they can share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences about life online. This can help educators and parents alike to promote wellbeing and to better understand the specific safeguarding risks affecting the young people in their care.
If you’d like to learn even more about this important topic, be sure to check out our Teaching Wiki about children’s internet safety.
