2018-03-13Once again this year, the Spanish Safer Internet Centre joined in with Safer Internet Day events. The day took place in more than 140 countries around the world in order to shout our message loud and clear: "Create, connect and share respect: A better internet starts with you".
We are convinced that each and every one of us can play a part in making the internet a space where children and young people can develop their personality and creativity, where they can move around on information highways and find people like them... but without paying the toll for it, today or in the future.
On Safer Internet Day 2018, numerous educational centres, professionals, organisations and, of course, private individuals contributed with their messages and initiatives to further spread the conversation regarding #CreateConnectShare and #SaferInternetDay on social media, as well as contributing to the world dialogue with the hashtag #SID2018. Thanks to everyone for being part of this change!
At Internet Segura for Kids (IS4K), we shared this day in the more than 40 educational centres in which awareness raising and educational talks took place on the topic of safe and secure internet use, thanks to the School Conferences and Cybercooperators.
Furthermore, we learnt to create, connect and share on the internet thanks to the young people, professionals and organisations that participated with us in online actions on Safer Internet Day: Juan and Damián from El Hormiguero (a Spanish TV programme), Pablo Navarro, Paloma Blanc from Empantallados, Natalia Basterrechea from Facebook, Ana Riveiro from the Spanish National Police, Maialen Garmendia from EU Kids Online, María Zabala from iWomanish, David García as a Cybercooperator, Daniel Davó a Cyberjournalist, Yaiza Rubio from ElevenPaths, CiberAlisal, David Hellín, Carlos Lagarón, Pedro García Aguado… and, of course Jesús Calleja and Elsa Punset with their messages of support.
Just in case you missed it, we want to share with you some of the messages that they transmitted to us during the event:
"Respect on the internet. Tweet others as you would like to be tweeted" - Juan and Damián, El Hormiguero
"Children can change the world through social media and the internet. We have to encourage them to develop their talent and share this by means of technology" - Paloma Blanc, Empantallados
"Children have obligations, but they also have lots of rights. Through this platform they've been given a voice" - Natalia Basterrechea, Facebook
"We have to put limits for ourselves and decide where we want to get to; we can ask adults for help" - Ana Riveiro, Spanish National Police
"As parents we are extremely prepared to learn new things and to educate our children in values and positivity, bearing in mind the childhood they've been dealt is digital" - María Zabala, Iwomanish
"If you need help, ask you parents and teachers for support" - Daniel García (Cybercooperator) and David Davó (Cyberjournalist)
"Use two-factor authentication and check information that comes from the internet" - Yaiza Rubio, ElevenPaths
"Pay particular attention to where you surf, who you add and what you upload" - CiberAlisal
"If it's something you wouldn't do in real-life, don't do it on the internet either" - David Hellín, Cybercooperator of the year 2017
"Use common sense on the internet" - Carlos Lagarón, Cybercooperator of the year 2016
"We must help parents to get involved in the digital environment of new technology" - Pedro García Aguado
"Use the internet to make friends, get connected and exchange information. Don't use it badly, the internet's cool" - Jesús Calleja, INCIBE's Honour Cybercooperator
"Enjoy the capacity to create, connect and share that social media gives to us" - Elsa Punset
The complete Safer Internet Day 2018 video is now available - watch it below:
Moreover, so that you're always aware, we'll leave you with these 10 basic rules to create, connect and share respect on the internet:
- Create: as a citizen in this digital world, use technology to create and make your voice heard. But do so without paying a toll for it in the future: look after your privacy, digital identity and reputation.
- Connect: Keep informed and connected, share interests and find people that are similar to you. But also be cautious when making contacts online: not everyone on the internet is who they say they are. Don't send photos or reveal personal information to contacts you don't know.
- Share respect: Be respectful with other users. The golden rule = treat others how you'd like to be treated. Respect the privacy of third parties. Show your rejection of cyberbullying, and don't be an accomplice.
- Don't take advantage of being anonymous: On the internet it's easy to pick on someone that you don't like or to criticise people you don't know. The main victim of hate speech is the person delivering it, and they're the ones who lose out in the end. Don't write negative comments that may harm other people.
- Don't believe everything: Not everything on the internet is true. In fact, hoaxes are constantly going around the web. Before you believe any information, check the source, find out where it comes from and, if it seems suspicious, don't believe it or spread it.
- Think before publishing: Before you upload a message or photo, consider the possible interpretations and the implications for you and for others. Think about whether it could give way to misunderstandings or conflicts, and make sure that it helps you to have a better image and relations on the internet.
- Take care of your security: You close the front door of your house with a key, so why would you leave your mobile without a screen lock? At the very minimum use a pattern lock, although it's better to use a password or digital fingerprint. Your security and privacy are at stake. If you need greater knowledge, the OSI (Internet Security Office) has everything you need to know.
- Protect: Viruses are everywhere on the internet and they can attack you at any moment. Install an antivirus program, keep your apps updated, don't surf on suspicious sites and, above all, use your common sense!
- Follow users that are worth it: Keep away from all the posing on social media and follow accounts that provide you with something: accounts about travelling, music, photography... and of course, don't forget to follow IS4K on Twitter and Facebook!
- Report: Use the security and privacy tools on social media to report annoying behaviour and bullying. Block those users that you don't think are considerate with others. And have the Helpline for children on the internet at hand. Phone 900 116 117 for free, confidential help!
See the Spanish Safer Internet Day profile page for further information.
Find out more about the work of the Spanish Safer Internet Centre (SIC), including its awareness raising, helpline, hotline and youth participation services.
Images copyright of the Spanish Safer Internet Centre.
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