February 5, 2019 marks a growing trend in online awareness: Safer Internet Day (SID). SID began as a European project in 2004 and only a year later has spread to over 140 countries. SID was organized by Insafe and InHope with a joint goal to raise awareness of online issues by choosing a topic of focus that reflects our current online apprehensions.

While the motivation of a safer internet for all seems strongly geared for youth, the idea will be a benefit for all. From awareness on cyberbullying, social media best practice, empowerment and coaching teachers how to guide new online users, SID certainly is poised to make a difference.

“Safer Internet Day aims to create both a safer and a better internet, where everyone is empowered to use technology responsibly, respectfully, critically and creatively. The campaign aims to reach out to children and young people, parents and carers, teachers, educators and social workers, as well as industry, decision makers and politicians, to encourage everyone to play their part in creating a better internet.”

SID 2019, Key Message

The SID online community allows countries worldwide to showcase actions they have taken to build a better internet. Whether these actions are taken on a local or international level, all are celebrated and respected as steps toward a better, safer, and nurturing internet. SID appears to understand it would be impossible to keep our youth offline. In fact, they seem to recognize that trying to keep our youth offline would be unfair. By making the internet safer for all, we are unlocking limitless, untarnished knowledge for the next generation.

If you are interested in learning more or supporting SID check out the links below.

• Website: SaferInternetDay.org
• Email: SID-HelpDesk@eun.org
• Twitter: @SafeInternetDay
• Facebook: @SaferInternetDay
• SID in your country
• Register as an Organization, School or Individual