Safer Internet Day is today, but what is it?

From Tuesday February 6, 2024, and throughout the months of February and March, the 21st edition of Safer Internet Day is taking place, now celebrated around the world. On the program, raising awareness among young people about their use of digital technology, but also a call to act to make the Internet a more caring space for oneself, for one’s community and for the planet.

Since its creation in 2004, Safer Internet Day has sought to educate young people, but also those around them such as the educational community or their families, on the right reflexes to adopt for healthy use of the Internet. In addition to encouraging good online behavior, this year, the event also invites us to reflect on the control we have over our use of digital tools and their ecological impact. Want to know more about this new edition of Safer Internet Day? We tell you about it in this article.

What is Safer Internet Day?

How can we make the web safer for young people, but also for all of us? This is the thorny question that the participants of Safer Internet Day wish to answer. Created by the European Commission 20 years ago, the event takes place every year in February. Celebrated in more than 150 countries, it is a real success and contributes to a “better Internet”.

The mission of Safer Internet Day is to promote good practices in the use of the web. How ? By providing young people – and the less young, teachers and parents in particular – with the keys and tools to use digital media in a responsible and caring manner. This year, the theme will be “Connected, engaged… and you?” The objective is to become aware of one’s responsibility online, through three resolutions to choose and apply on social networks: regain control of one’s digital life, encourage kindness online or become aware of the ecological impact of digital.

A safer internet for everyone

In our country, Safer Internet Day is orchestrated by the Safer Internet France consortium. Internet Without Fear, a national program operated by educational content creator Tralalère, is responsible for all the organization. Also helping out is the Point de contact association, which manages a service for reporting illegal web content, and 3018, which is the national number to call when you are a victim of cyberharassment.

Like every year, the government is also involved in the national campaign. Safer Internet Day is, in fact, part of the PHARe program, a prevention plan against school bullying. The State thus participates by ensuring that this day has the impact it deserves. The objective is, of course, to raise awareness among young people, parents and teachers, but also to reach the entire ecosystem that revolves around them.

And speaking of ecosystem, it is clear that the movement is gaining more and more momentum. The list of Safer Internet Day partners continues to grow. In addition to various ministries, numerous associations and professionals are involved: AXA, MAIF, the ANACEJ network, APEL, FCPE, PEEP, Scouts Guides de France but also Samsung, Apple, Orange, Bouygues Telecom, Meta , and many others.

The program for this year

This year, Internet users are invited to take action, particularly via social networks. The program is structured around three subjects:

• I’m taming my algorithms! : Maintain control of your digital life and not get caught up in screens or dictate unwanted content
• The Goat is me! : Become a caring ambassador for your online community, by being respectful, and daring to report cyberharassment and hate speech
• My impact: I manage! : Become aware of the ecological impact of digital technology and know how to adapt its uses

In addition to these good resolutions to apply, Internet Without Fear will launch a campaign on social networks to educate on these subjects and several kits are offered, for teachers and families, with fun activities to encourage young people of all ages to think on their use of digital technology.

The event will also take the form of educational workshops in schools, where young people will be encouraged to speak, with also conferences and awareness-raising activities, to be found on the interactive map of France on the website. Internet Without Fear.

For a safer internet, start here

Safer Internet Day is a national information day with an essential message. If this event aims to raise awareness primarily among children and parents, its scope is much broader. Indeed, we can all benefit from a safer internet. And to implement good digital practices now, here are some resources that should make all the difference.