Safer Internet Day info for Parents/Carers
Safer Internet Day is an event organised by the UK Safer Internet Centre, which aims to promote safe, responsible, and positive use of internet technology.
During this event, lots of local and national organisations come together to raise awareness about the best internet practices in order to protect children’s safety online. The Safer Internet Day slogan is, ‘Together for a better internet’.
When is Safer Internet Day?
This event is celebrated every year on a Tuesday in early February. Safer Internet Day 2023 will be on the 7th of February.
What is the theme of Safer Internet Day 2023?
Each year, Safer Internet Day covers a new theme. This year, the theme is ‘Want to talk about it? Making space for conversations about life online.’
The internet plays a huge part in the lives of young people today, with many playing games, posting on social media, and/or using video sharing platforms. It can be used positively, helping young people learn new skills, express themselves creatively, and strengthen social bonds. However, the use of many popular online platforms has also been linked to low self-esteem and anxiety. They also come with a set of safeguarding risks, including the pressure to participate in dangerous challenges to cyber-bullying.
It’s very important to provide young people with a safe space where they can share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences about life online. This can help educators and parents alike to promote wellbeing and to better understand the specific safeguarding risks affecting the young people in their care.
Safer Internet Day 2023 - film for parents and carers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rl_gZTQ9F7w
Help and advice for you as a parent or carer
About Safer Internet Day 2023
Read more about the theme of the day:
(https://saferinternet.org.uk/safer-internet-day/safer-internet-day-2023/parents-and-carers/about-safer-internet-day-2023)
Practical tips for starting a conversation about life online
Advice and tips about how to start a conversation about the things your child is doing and seeing online:
(https://saferinternet.org.uk/safer-internet-day/safer-internet-day-2023/parents-and-carers/practical-tips-for-starting-a-conversation-about-life-online)
How to talk about difficult topics
Advice about how to talk about some of the more difficult or challenging things that may happen online:
(https://saferinternet.org.uk/safer-internet-day/safer-internet-day-2023/parents-and-carers/how-to-talk-about-difficult-topics)
My child has said something worrying – what do I do?
If your child mentions something in a conversation with you that you find worrying there are steps you can take, this page gives more information about what you can do:
(https://saferinternet.org.uk/safer-internet-day/safer-internet-day-2023/parents-and-carers/my-child-has-said-something-worrying-what-do-i-do)
What do I do if something goes wrong?
Sometimes things do go wrong online, but there are always steps you can take to help support your child and get help. This page looks at what you can do if something does go wrong for your child online:
(https://saferinternet.org.uk/safer-internet-day/safer-internet-day-2023/parents-and-carers/what-do-i-do-if-something-goes-wrong)
Getting your child involved in online safety
Resources that can help you engage your children in online safety education, no matter their age:
(https://saferinternet.org.uk/safer-internet-day/safer-internet-day-2023/parents-and-carers/getting-your-child-involved-in-online-safety)