Kids Portal For Parents India Kids Network
Safer Internet Day: The Safer Internet Day is observed on Tuesday in the second week of February every year to promote a safer and more responsible use of online technology around the world. This year i.e. 2025, the day will be observed on February 11.
It is an EU-wide initiative that is celebrated on Second Tuesday of February to promote a safer Internet for all users, mainly children, and young people. The day is observed to raise awareness about the dire need to stay safe online.
History:
This year marks the 20th edition of Safer Internet Day. The day started as an initiative of the EU SafeBorders project in 2004. It was taken up by the Insafe network as one of its earliest actions in 2005. The day is celebrated in approximately 200 countries and territories across the globe.
The main purpose behind celebrating the day is to spread awareness about emerging online issues and current concerns.
About Safer Internet Centres and Safer Internet Day Committees
Insafe is a European network is for Safer Internet Centres (SICs). Each and every national Centre spread awareness and educational campaigns runs a helpline and also works closely with youth to ensure an evidence-based, multi-stakeholder approach to creating a better internet.
The concept of Safer Internet Day Committees was introduced in 2009 with the aim to strengthen the bonds with countries outside the network and to promote a campaign across the globe. Nowadays, more than 100 SID Committees are working closely with the Safer Internet Day Coordination Team which is based at the heart of the European Union in Brussels.
Therefore, Safer Internet Day is celebrated worldwide in February to promote the safe and positive use of digital technology for children and young people. The day also inspires a national conversation about using technology responsibly, respectfully, critically, and creatively.
How is Safer Internet Day celebrated?
To celebrate the day, one thing that we can do is work towards expanding our online safety portfolio. It is important to understand what can be done in case of cyberbullying. How to connect and communicate with people across the world in areas of shared interest. It is also important to protect the identity and the people. Promoting Online safety is important not only on this day but also at any time of the year.
It is also significant to encourage parents to have open regular conversations with their children about the Internet and its uses. Talk about the benefits and risks of using the internet.
To sum up, we can say that the internet is an integral part of our lives, it provides opportunities to learn, create and connect, but on the other hand, the online world can also create challenges. So be safe and alert.
Importance:
In an era where digital interaction is a fundamental aspect of daily life, Safer Internet Day underscores the critical need for awareness and education on internet safety. It serves as a reminder to evaluate our digital habits, implement robust security measures, and advocate for a respectful and inclusive online community. Celebrating this day reinforces the message that internet safety is a shared responsibility, requiring collaboration among users, tech companies, and policymakers to mitigate online threats and foster a positive digital landscape.
In today’s interconnected world, staying safe online is more crucial than ever. From managing finances to socialising with friends, so much of our daily lives revolve around the internet. However, this digital landscape also exposes us to a wide range of potential threats. Cybercriminals constantly devise new ways to target internet users, making it essential to adhere to online safety measures.
So, whether you are a seasoned internet user or a newbie, here are some tips that can help you in safe browsing:
Secure your internet connection:
- While using a public Wi-Fi network, always exercise caution. Though it is sometimes unavoidable, remember that public networks lack direct security control. Avoid sensitive transactions like online banking or shopping on public Wi-Fi. If it is necessary, try to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your data in real time.
Strong passwords:
- Passwords are always considered a weak spot in cyber security. So, always make sure to opt for strong passwords that are a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, symbols, and numbers. Avoid obvious choices like sequential numbers or personal information that someone might guess easily. Also, people should refrain from reusing passwords across multiple sites.
Verify links:
- Before clicking on a link, double-check it. Hover over them to see the actual URL. Be cautious with emails, especially those requesting personal information. Often, cybercriminals around the world use phishing emails to trick people into revealing sensitive data. If in doubt, verify the legitimacy of the sender. It’s always advisable to check for websites beginning with ‘https’ for safe browsing.
Stay updated:
- Always make sure that your devices are regularly updated. These updates often patch vulnerabilities that hackers exploit. Ignoring updates leaves you exposed to potential threats.
Log out on public networks or shared devices:
- Make sure to log out of accounts when using public or shared devices. Leaving accounts open can lead to unauthorised access and compromise your privacy.
Choose reliable websites:
- While shopping, banking, or sharing personal information, stick to reputed websites only.
Enable two-factor authentication:
- Try to add an extra layer of security by enabling two-factor authentication wherever possible. This process requires a second verification step in addition to your password like an OTP.
Use antivirus:
- Install a reliable antivirus software to detect and remove malware on your devices. Regular scans help keep your devices clean and protect against malicious software.
Safer Internet Day: Theme
- 2024: Together for a better Internet
- 2023: Want to talk about it? Making space for conversations about life online
- 2022: All fun and games? Exploring respect and relationships online
- 2021: An internet we trust: exploring reliability in the online world
- 2020: Together for a better internet
- 2019: Our Internet, Our Choice
- 2018: Create, Connect and Share Respect
- 2017: Be the change: Unite for a better internet
