Safer Internet Day 2021 is just around the corner, and we hope that you will help us to promote a better internet on Tuesday, February 9th. Safer Internet Day (SID) is an EU wide initiative to promote a safer internet for all users, especially young people. SID has grown to become a global event and is now celebrated in approximately 170 countries.
Webwise is responsible for the coordination and promotion of Safer Internet Day in Ireland and while the celebrations will look a little different this year, we are reaching out to all our online safety stakeholders, partners, friends, and colleagues to help make SID 2021 as vibrant and meaningful as ever.
As we rely on technology more than ever to help us educate, work, and stay connected, Safer Internet Day 2021 is an important opportunity to promote online safety and to help create a safer, better, internet.
Last year over 170,000 people got involved in Safer Internet Day, and we are asking for your support to help us to reach even more children, families, schools, and organisations in Ireland.
Here are some ways to get involved and help to support Safer Internet Day 2021.
On January 27th at 2pm, Webwise is hosting a Special Guest Panel Discussion on the topic of online wellbeing and building digital resilience. The event will provide an opportunity to hear about the experiences of figures from the world of entertainment, sport, cyberpsychology and the tech industry. Joining us for the discussion are 2FM’s; Eoghan McDermott, Cyberpsychologist; Nicola Fox-Hamilton, Public Policy Lead for Kids and Families at Google; Dr. Alicia Blum-Ross, former Dublin GAA star; Eamon Fennell and Billie from the Webwise Youth panel.
The online event, which marks the final webinar of the Webwise Safer Internet Day Ambassador 2021 Youth Training Programme, will also include the official announcement of the SID Award Winners 2020.
The event will be streamed online as part of the Safer Internet Day promotions on Tuesday, February 9th. We are encouraging schools, teachers and students to tune in. Keep an eye on the Webwise social media channels for more!
This year for Safer Internet Day in Ireland, Webwise is calling on people to #BeKindOnline. With technology being such a prominent part of everyday life, it has never been more important to recognise the impact that our online behaviour can have on others. The #BeKindOnline campaign highlights the importance of empathy and respect online and encourages people to manage their online wellbeing.
Why not join in the online campaign by sharing what #BeKindOnline means to you and encouraging others to do the same.
Parents have an important role to play when it comes to online safety, and Safer Internet Day is a great time for parents to have a chat with their child about internet safety. The Webwise Parents Hub is a fantastic resource for parents, with practical, jargon free advice on a range of topics including screen time, image-sharing and social media. There are lots of helpful explainers on the most popular apps children might be using for example TikTok or Fortnite as well as helpful videos from psychologists, education and online safety experts on topics such as consent and respect online or managing technology in the home.
Scripted Safer Internet Day presentations are available to download for free and have been specifically designed to assist schools in promoting awareness of Safer Internet Day within their school. Available for both primary and post-primary levels, these are a great resource to promote online safety with children and young people and can be used in a classroom or remote setting.
Webwise send free online safety packs to any school, organisation, club, or community groups taking part in Safer Internet Day. While Safer Internet Day takes place on February 9th, you can decide to highlight SID on any day that suits you – just share your plans with us and we will send out free wristbands for your participants. These can even be used as part of plans to promote online safety later in the year.
Support #SID2021 by encouraging schools, parent groups, organisations, and the wider community to get involved and sign-up!
Safer Internet Day 2021 may look a little different this year because of Covid-19 guidelines but getting involved is easier than ever. Webwise has created a list of remote and socially distanced Safer Internet Day activities that people can use to help to do their bit to create a better online world. Along with ideas for #SID2021, this resource includes templates and presentations that individuals, schools and organisations can tailor to their specific needs.
Your voice has a huge impact and can encourage even more people to get involved in Safer Internet Day. Support the campaign by highlighting #SID2021 on your website and social media channels. Webwise has developed a dedicated Safer Internet Day Hub to help anyone who is planning a SID event. It contains ideas, activities, videos, resources, and many more useful suggestions and tools to help people to get involved.