Safer Internet Day (SID) is here - on Tuesday 9^th February 2021, millions around the globe will be joining forces “Together for a better internet”.

Every February since 2004, Safer Internet Day (SID) - organised by the Insafe/INHOPE network of European Safer Internet Centres (SICs) with the support of the European Commission - has been a global, community-led observance which provides a space for all stakeholders to reflect on how together we can promote a responsible, respectful, critical and creative use of digital technologies with the ultimate goal of fostering a better internet for all.

Digital technologies provide us with a world of possibilities at our fingertips. Never before have we enjoyed so many opportunities to learn, exchange, participate and create. In 2021, this statement rings truer than ever: in the past year, we have collectively taken a digital leap, and digital means of communication have proven nothing short of vital for our societies to keep functioning in the face of a global health crisis.

However, greater internet use also means greater exposure to online risks, especially for the youngest among us. Concerns pertaining to cybercrime, privacy, misinformation and disinformation, hate speech, cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content and predatory behaviours have grown since the advent of the coronavirus crisis.

As internet users, we are all faced with the same dilemma: how do we make the most of the opportunities the digital environment brings us, while at the same time mitigating any potential negative side-effect it might entail?

Having grown in scope over the years, Safer Internet Day is now celebrated by children, young people, parents and carers, teachers, educators and social workers, industry, decision makers and politicians from over 170 countries.

While we recognise that celebrations may look a little different this time around as we adapt to COVID-19 constraints, we hope that SID 2021 will still be an opportunity for us all to reflect on our increased use of digital technologies as a result of the pandemic.

Please see below for more resources and links to the campaign:

• visit www.saferinternetday.org to get an idea of how our SID committees and supporters are celebrating SID 2021, and to find a variety of resources and inspiration for your own plans.
• and keep an eye on the official Safer Internet Day Twitter and Facebook pages.

Malcolm Jeffrey - Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (eSafety and Prevent)