Today is Safer Internet Day 2021!

On Tuesday, 9 February 2021, we celebrate Safer Internet Day – the annual flagship campaign under the European Strategy for Better Internet for Children.

2021-02-09

With a slogan of “Together for a better internet”, Safer Internet Day is a call to action for every stakeholder to contribute to a safer and better internet, especially for its youngest users. The past year has shown us first-hand the importance of ensuring that the largest possible number of children and young people are adequately prepared to handle digital technologies responsibly, respectfully, critically and creatively. Only then can they experience the digital world as a place of knowledge, culture and opportunities.

In 2021, we will celebrate Safer Internet Day for the eighteenth consecutive year – albeit in slightly different conditions this time around. Overtime, Safer Internet Day has grown from an EU initiative to a truly global celebration, presently involving millions of people in over 170 countries worldwide. The day is organised on behalf of the European Commission by the Insafe network (coordinated by European Schoolnet, a network of 32 European Ministries of Education) and INHOPE (the International Association of Internet Hotlines).

Safer Internet Day takes a community-led approach; every year, Safer Internet Day supporters – whether they are children and young people, parents, educators, industry representatives, civil society organisations, researchers or decision makers – organise thousands of exciting events and activities to mark the day. You can find out what is happening in each partner country by visiting the Safer Internet Day website

As we all adapt to COVID-19 restrictions, we recognise that Safer Internet Day 2021 celebrations will be like no other before. However, thanks to the resilience and creativity of supporters around the world, there is no doubt that this edition of Safer Internet Day will be as vibrant as always. For an overview of socially distanced events and activities for Safer Internet Day, read our article on the topic.

Hans Martens, Digital Citizenship Programme Manager at European Schoolnet and Coordinator of the Insafe network said: “The outbreak of the pandemic and the restrictive measures that followed in many places of the world have increased our reliance on digital technologies like never before. In this context, striving for a better internet for children and young people is becoming a priority for their safety, their wellbeing and their development. We hope that Safer Internet Day can be an opportunity for everyone to make a positive difference to the online world, on the day itself and throughout the year.”

Sarah Willoughby, Content and Communications Expert and SID Campaign Coordinator at European Schoolnet, who leads the global coordination activities for the campaign said: “As always on Safer Internet Day, we’re looking forward to watching events unfold across the globe on the day, even if mainly in a virtual format for this edition. Despite these continuing unprecedented circumstances, Safer Internet Centres, Safer Internet Day Committees and Safer Internet Day Supporters will be marking the day in new and innovative ways, reflecting on both the opportunities and the challenges of being online at the current time.”

We invite you to join the movement and raise awareness about the celebrations taking place around the world. To learn more about Safer Internet Day,

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