Safer Internet Day is an international event held annually in February to promote the safe and positive use of digital technology, especially among children and young people. The day offers the opportunity to highlight positive uses of technology and explore how we can make the internet safer and more inclusive for everyone.
When is Safer Internet Day?
Safer Internet Day takes place on the second day of the second week of February each year. In 2023, Safer Internet Day will fall on Tuesday, February 14th.
What is the history of Safer Internet Day?
Safer Internet Day was started in 2004 as part of the European Union’s Safer Internet Programme. It began as “Safer Internet Day,” with events focused mainly in European countries. In 2005, the initiative went global under the name “Safer Internet Day.”
The day has continued to grow in scope and participation over the years. By 2012, over 100 countries were participating. Recent themes have included topics like privacy, identity, cyberbullying, and using technology responsibly.
Key Milestones
- 2004: First “Safer Internet Day” held by European Union initiative
- 2005: Expanded globally as “Safer Internet Day”
- 2012: Over 100 countries participate
- 2022: 130+ countries take part under the theme “Together for a better internet”
How is Safer Internet Day observed?
Safer Internet Day is not a public holiday. However, events and activities take place worldwide to promote online safety and responsible technology use. These can include:
- Educational events in schools, libraries, youth clubs, etc.
- Press conferences, policy discussions, expert panels
- Launch of new campaigns or resources
- Award ceremonies for online safety initiatives
- Announcements from internet companies about safety tools and features
- Hackathons bringing together youth and technology experts
Anyone can participate by holding an event or activity aligned with the goals of Safer Internet Day. Many events also take place online, using hashtags like #SaferInternetDay to unite worldwide participation through social media.
What is the purpose of Safer Internet Day?
Safer Internet Day aims to:
- Promote the safe and positive use of digital technology for all users, especially children and youths
- Foster collaboration around online safety issues at the community, national and global level
- Inspire conversation and innovation around topics like ethics, privacy, security, identity and health online
- Build skills and knowledge for using technology responsibly, respectfully and critically
The day provides a focal point for all stakeholders to come together and play their part in creating a better internet. This includes governments, schools, civil society groups, companies, academia, international organizations and individuals.
What is the theme for Safer Internet Day 2023?
The theme for Safer Internet Day 2023 is “Together for a better internet.” This theme highlights the need for collaboration and shared responsibility when it comes to online safety. Key topics will likely include:
- Media literacy and critical thinking skills
- Respectful online behavior and empathy
- Privacy, security and identity protection
- Combating cyberbullying, hate speech and extremism online
The global theme will frame many local events, allowing participating organizations to explore these issues from their own cultural and social perspectives.
Safer Internet Day Themes Over the Years
| Year | Theme |
|---|---|
| 2022 | “Together for a better internet” |
| 2021 | “Together for a better internet” |
| 2020 | “Together for a better internet” |
| 2019 | “Together for a better internet” |
| 2018 | “Create, connect and share respect: A better internet starts with you” |
Who coordinates Safer Internet Day?
Safer Internet Day is coordinated by the joint Insafe/INHOPE network, with the support of the European Commission. Insafe brings together government bodies and NGOs focused on online safety awareness. INHOPE deals with reporting illegal online content.
National Safer Internet Centres in over 30 European countries take a lead role in promoting Safer Internet Day. These centres run hotlines, helplines, awareness campaigns and educational programs throughout the year.
At the international level, major internet organizations like Google, Facebook, Twitter and TikTok partner with Insafe/INHOPE to spread awareness around Safer Internet Day.
Key Safer Internet Day Partners
- European Commission
- Insafe
- INHOPE
- National Safer Internet Centres
- Technology companies like Google, Facebook, Twitter
- NGOs and civil society groups
- Schools, libraries, police and other local partners
How can parents and educators participate?
Parents and educators play a crucial role in promoting online safety. Here are some ways they can get involved for Safer Internet Day:
- Hold an educational session about online safety in your school or community group
- Have discussions with children about using the internet positively and responsibly
- Check the Safer Internet Day website for inspiration and activity ideas
- Follow #SaferInternetDay on social media and share posts from official accounts
- Stay up-to-date on the latest apps, platforms and trends used by youths
- Set a good example by modeling responsible online behavior
- Advocate for more safety tools, education and awareness in your local community
The Safer Internet Day website offers a range of education packs, tip sheets and resources that can be used by both parents and teachers.
What charities and organizations support Safer Internet Day?
Many organizations collaborate around Safer Internet Day to further online safety for the public. Some of the key groups include:
- FOSI – Family Online Safety Institute
- Internet Matters – UK organization helping parents keep kids safe online
- ConnectSafely – US nonprofit for educating users of connected technology
- eNASCO – eSafety and online child protection group in Africa
- ECPAT – Stopping the online exploitation of children globally
- INSAFE – European network of internet safety organizations
- OECD – Intergovernmental economic organization
These groups provide resources, advocate for legislation, run educational events and offer expertise around online child safety worldwide.
Examples of Supporting Organizations
| Organization | Area of Focus |
|---|---|
| FOSI | Parent education, digital citizenship programs |
| Internet Matters | Age-specific online safety advice for UK families |
| ConnectSafely | Outreach on safe social networking and mobile use |
| eNASCO | Cybersecurity, child helplines in Africa |
What role do technology companies play?
Many major technology companies actively participate in Safer Internet Day each year. Their contributions help enhance online safety features and raise public awareness. Some examples include:
- Google – Launches new safety tools, cybersecurity education programs
- Facebook – Partners with educators for online safety events and training
- Microsoft – Provides funding for hotlines and nonprofits supporting the cause
- Twitter – Spreads awareness with #SaferInternetDay hashtag and promoted campaigns
- TikTok – Creates content and guides focused on safe digital citizenship
These companies also make financial and in-kind contributions as sponsors and partners of Safer Internet Day.
Technology Company Initiatives
| Company | Safer Internet Day Initiatives |
|---|---|
| New media literacy materials for teachers | |
| Virtual expert panels on cyberbullying | |
| Microsoft | $1 million donation to INHOPE hotlines |
| TikTok | In-app safety quizzes and videos for users |
What impact has Safer Internet Day had on youth safety?
It is difficult to quantify the direct impact of Safer Internet Day globally. However, surveys by the EU and research groups suggest it is achieving positive effects, including:
- Increased public understanding of online safety issues
- Better skills among children for dealing with cyberbullying, risky contacts, etc.
- Higher adoption rates for parental controls and safer settings on devices
- Boosted budgets and policies focused on digital citizenship in schools
- More government initiatives and partnerships with technology companies
While still an ongoing challenge, cyberbullying rates across Europe have fallen over the last 15 years during the growth of Safer Internet Day. However, the event’s ultimate success depends on continued stakeholder participation in safety initiatives throughout the year.
Potential Impacts of Safer Internet Day
| Area | Potential Impact |
|---|---|
| Education | Improved media literacy and online ethics programs in schools |
| Technology | Increased availability and use of parental controls, privacy settings, etc. |
| Government | More public investment and policies around digital safety |
| Research | Stronger evidence base for cyberbullying prevention and mitigation |
What are key tips for youth online safety?
On Safer Internet Day and every day, young people should remember these vital tips for staying secure online:
- Think carefully before posting any personal details or embarrassing content
- Be kind – don’t participate in bullying or harmful behavior
- Use strong passwords and enable privacy restrictions
- Avoid befriending strangers and report suspicious contacts or activity
- Discuss online safety issues openly with parents, teachers and peers
- Check reliability of information and don’t believe everything you see
- Balance internet use with other activities, interests and relationships
Following this advice, while also showing respect and empathy for others online, will help youths maximize the amazing opportunities of digital technology.
Top Safety Tips for Young People Online
| Area | Safety Tips |
|---|---|
| Personal info | – Don’t share address, phone, school name publicly |
| Passwords | – Use complex passwords and change regularly |
| Privacy | – Review settings and enable the strictest options |
| Contacts | – Don’t accept follow/friend requests from strangers |
Conclusion
Safer Internet Day provides an essential opportunity to build awareness and cooperation around youth online safety. While technology offers many benefits, it also carries risks like cyberbullying, predators and isolation. Through events like Safer Internet Day, parents, educators, governments and technology companies can take meaningful action together. More education, dialogue, safety tools and supportive policies are still needed worldwide to protect our young people online. But Safer Internet Day represents an important step in the right direction.