In 2021, Safer Internet Day in the UK is on Tuesday 9th February and will encourage young people to explore how they manage their online identity, and how the internet shapes how they think of themselves and others.
2021 Theme for Safer Internet Day
The theme in the UK this year is ‘An internet we trust: exploring reliability in the online world’. Whilst acknowledging the vast range of information online, with the potential to inform, the day will explore reliability online and how we separate fact from fiction. Internationally, the day will be celebrated with the slogan: Together for a better internet.
“The internet is primarily a place of positivity for young people. Whether being inspired to be the next campaigner, supporter or friend – it’s a place for them to find their voice, explore their identities, and support each other.
“We must help young people on this journey by acknowledging the pressures, challenges and limits the internet also brings. We can do this by listening to them and starting conversations about our online lives. We know talking works; as a result of Safer Internet Day last year, 78% of young people felt more confident about what to do if they were worried about something online.
“It is so important for all of us – adults, businesses, and government – to support young people to harness the internet for good and make it a place where everyone is free to be themselves.”
Will Gardner OBE, Director of the UK Safer Internet Centre
Safer Internet Day aims to inspire conversation about using technology responsibly, respectfully, critically and creatively. Coordinated in the UK by the UK Safer Internet Centre, the celebration sees hundreds of organisations get involved to help promote the safe, responsible and positive use of digital technology for children and young people.
It calls upon young people, parents, carers, teachers, social workers, law enforcement, companies, policymakers, and wider, to join together in helping to create a better internet.
In 2020, the day reached more children and young people than ever before: 49% of young people aged 8-17 and 26% of parents. Everyone is invited to join in, and Safer Internet Day is supported across the globe to help create a better internet on Tuesday 9th February 2021 and throughout the whole year.
How you can support the day:
- Register as a supporter – Join over 2000 organisations across the UK who deliver activities for Safer Internet Day each year, from tech companies, banks and football clubs, to schools, police services and charities across the UK!
- Spread the word – use our images, logos and sample tweets to help get as many people involved in Safer Internet Day
Tips for online safety
Staying safe on the internet is essential. Here are tips for helping you and your children in with this:
- Don’t click on links you don’t trust
- Remember to be just as cautious on your mobile as when on your desktop or laptop
- Keep your privacy settings high to ensure your security
- Monitor your child’s internet use and keep a track of their browser history
- Choose strong passwords for your secure information
- Ensure the security software is up to date
Cyber security for Organisations
Online safety is not just for individuals and families, but also organisations such as schools. Within schools, cyber security is essential as they work with large amounts of personal data. It is a sad fact that schools are prime targets for hackers. In fact, 83% of schools have experiences a cyber security incident.
Elementa has partnered with cyber security experts BEWICA. Their platform helps protect schools against some of the most common attacks through active monitoring and staff training.
Schools that sign up using the Elementa specific link will benefit from seven days free access to the BEWICA platform. Sign up at https://bewica.com/elementa