The endless world of online possibilities can regrettably lead to endless safety concerns. Safer Internet Day 2023 provides focus on working towards safer and better internet environments where everyone partakes in responsible online practice.
The event was founded by the EU SafeBorders project in 2004 and has expanded over the years to reach a wide range of countries across the globe. It is coordinated by the UK Safer Internet Centre (2023) and this year’s aim is 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?
When is Safer Internet Day 2023
In the UK, Safer Internet Day 2023 takes place on Tuesday 7th February. This follows a pattern of celebrating the event each year on a Tuesday in early February.
What is this Year’s Theme?
This year’s theme is ‘Want to talk about it? Making space for conversations about life online’. It succeeds the previous few years’ themes of:
- 2022 – ‘All fun and games? Exploring respect and relationships online.’
- 2021 – ‘An internet we trust: exploring reliability in the online world.’
- 2020 – Free to be.’
Accessing the Internet’s Potential
As with most things technological, the internet is a wonderful thing when it works! It doesn’t work, however, when safety is compromised. Online literacy has proven near essential for the vast majority of the population in recent years and its use in young people’s futures will only be multiplied. The importance of employing the best, safest practices online is paramount to people feeling secure in their cyber environments, be it for work or leisure.
Instilling positive values and raising awareness of online dangers can be encouraged in the classroom. For these reasons, it’s important we stay abreast of the latest updates, tune in to how young people feel and combat the concerns of digital life with well-balanced support material.
You may find these resources useful in your own celebration of Safer Internet Day 2023.
Useful Resources
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