Safer Internet Day is celebrated globally in February each year to promote the safe and positive use of digital technology, and to inspire a national conversation about using technology responsibly, respectfully, critically, and creatively. Each year the day explores a different theme around internet safety.
Safer Internet Day 2022 is on 8th February and will be celebrated with the theme ‘All fun and games? Exploring respect and relationships online’. Co-ordinated in the UK by the UK Safer Internet Centre, Safer Internet Day is celebrated in over a hundred countries helping people all over the world improve their knowledge of internet safety.
So what can we do to help make the internet safer for us all? As well as the usual advice we share about using good passwords and keeping these safe, being aware of scammers trying to get you to follow unsafe links, etc. there are actions we can all take at a basic level to ensure we all use the internet with respect for our friends and other contacts online.
Top Tips
The internet can be a great place to learn new things, keep in touch with friends, and to have fun. We have some tips to help you to stay safe and positive online, as well as how you can #PlayYourPart in creating a better internet by…
Using your actions and words with care.
What you do, say and share online can have a big impact on the way other people feel, as well as how others perceive you. When emotions are high, take a moment to reflect and continue when you’re feeling calmer.
Building healthy relationships.
Listen to and support your friends both online and offline by respecting their boundaries and treating them with kindness.
Look out for signs of an unhealthy relationship – if someone is pressuring you, is dishonest, or makes you feel uncomfortable, know that you can always talk to a friend or worker you trust.
Being an upstander when you see bullying, harassment or hate.
By using reporting tools or speaking out if you feel able to do so, you can offer support to the victims of these behaviours. This can help people to feel less alone and can encourage them to seek further assistance if they need it. Keeping a look out for suspicious information and people online.
Knowing it’s never too late to talk to someone about something you’re experiencing online.
Even if you’re worried it might be uncomfortable, or you think you’ve done something wrong, speaking to someone like your Community Living Worker is the first step in getting support and moving forward.
Lets use this Safer Internet Day to think about what we can do to ensure our relationships online are as fun, safe and secure as those we have in person.
#SaferInternetDay2022
#PlayYourPart