Safer Internet Day 2022 is taking place on Tuesday 8th February with the theme “All fun and games? Exploring respect and relationships online”.
In February each year, Safer Internet Day explores a new issue or theme which is impacting the lives of children and young people in the UK. This year, the theme is celebrating the role that young people have in creating a safer internet, and the ways they are shaping the interactive entertainment spaces they are a part of. Platforms like Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat and TikTok are places for young people to build online connections, so it is important they are taught the skills they need to keep themselves and others safe.
“In the UK, Safer Internet Day unites millions of young people, schools and organisations to spark conversations on key issues around online safety”
UK Safer Internet Centre
There are emerging safety concerns in these online spaces, as well as issues that young people have been facing for several years, particularly the lack of respect certain individuals display towards others. Online hate such as abusive messages towards minority groups is still alarmingly high, and children feel the apparent lack of any consequences for negative behaviour has a direct impact on their safety and wellbeing when using the internet. Safer Internet Day aims to address these issues so that children, young people and even adults can understand how to be respectful and also how to be safe online.
Visit the UK Safer Internet Centre’s website for more information about Safer Internet Day 2022 and how you can get involved. You will also be able to access a whole host of valuable resources full of advice for parents and teachers.
