When is Safer Internet Day 2024?
Safer Internet Day is celebrated in February every year. Safer Internet Day 2024 will take place on Tuesday, February 6. This year, the Safer Internet Day Committee - ConnectSafely, aims to get people talking about how they want their online experience to be and what changes can positively impact society- embracing their role in shaping the future.
What’s the Theme for the Day?
The theme for Safer Internet Day 2024 is “Inspiring change? Making a difference, managing influence, and navigating change online.” It educates people on how the changes we want to see online are within our control. It does not take a lot to create a difference. If we voice our opinions and stand firmly for what’s right, we can build a safer and more inclusive environment online.
There are many social media platforms that we are gradually adopting to connect with the world. Generally, it is difficult for younger audiences to resist new apps and software without fully understanding their downsides. Safer Internet Day hopes everyone equips themselves with the right knowledge and prioritizes safety while helping others.
What’s the Message?
This Safer Internet Day, everybody is encouraged to take three simple steps when approaching internet safety- Connect, Reflect, and Protect.
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Connect safely by keeping apps and software secure and reviewing your device’s security frequently. Invest in a reliable anti-virus and track your privacy settings before installing anything.
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Reflect on your actions online and ensure they don’t compromise your or other’s security on the internet.
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Protect yourself and others by reporting suspicious activity online. Speak up against online abuse and bullying- contribute towards a safe and inclusive online environment.
How is Safer Internet Day Celebrated?
InSafe is a network of awareness centers that runs SIC (Safer Internet Centers) worldwide. In 2009, Safer Internet Day (SID) committees were established outside Europe to strengthen the bond among committees of various nations, making this a global event.
Every national center of SIC collectively organizes programs and awareness campaigns, with schools, colleges, and community groups participating. The campaigns work closely with the youth, providing them with helpline numbers and arranging seminars with an evidence-based approach to explain how to create a better internet for all. Check where special lectures and guest sessions are held at your local school or university.
Apart from the youth, teachers and parents will also participate in the events, encouraging the best possible Internet use. Log on to saferinternetday.com, where you can find various multilingual resources, parents’ guidebooks, video tutorials, and more. Non-profit organizations like ConnectSafely arrange webcasts, podcasts, and special events regularly.
As we celebrate Safer Internet Day, let us acknowledge the importance of online safety and inculcate these insights into our daily lives. By fostering a culture of responsibility and accountability, we can contribute towards a safer internet experience. One can fall prey to scams and mishaps while surfing the web in various ways. If equipped with the right tools and knowledge, we can help ourselves and others, especially the youth, make the right decisions and use the internet responsibly.
