Let's celebrate Safer Internet Day

Safer Internet Day 2021 is being celebrated this year on 9th February across 170 countries. Its purpose is to remind ourselves not only of all the great things about being online, but also how we can stay safe when we are there. The theme this year is ‘An internet we trust – exploring reliability in an online world.’

Every year, Safer Internet Day aims to inspire a conversation around the country to get people thinking about issues such as how to use technology creatively, safely and responsibly. This ongoing conversation is so important in aligning the many organisations involved to promote the safer use of digital technology to children and young people. It’s a great opportunity to start a conversation with your child or pupils about online safety. 

Here are some ways you can get some of your pupils involved on the day and beyond:

Get involved with this week’s Premier League Primary Stars challenge. 

Set the Internet detective challenge for your pupils that they can do at home with their family. They will identify reliable information online and research their footballing hero by becoming an internet detective and put safety tips into practice.

Make sure you have information to hand.

The Safer Internet Day resources are packed with engaging resources suitable to use in school and by parents/carers at home. From short films to assemblies and home-learning resources, posters and conversation starters, there is something for all ages.

Use different topics to introduce the topic of internet safety.

BBC Own It has produced a fun quiz, 3 Truths 3 Lies and some spoken word poetry by young people around the UK on the theme of trust and reliability online. 

Spread the word  

It’s all about getting the conversation going, so pass on any resources you find useful to others and spread the word using the hashtags #SaferInternetDay and #AnInternetWeTrust. You can get involved in the social media campaign by talking about what you plan to do on the day and add your voice to the many others talking about safe and positive use of technology.

For parents/ carers

Create a family agreement. 

This is a unique way to start the conversation about internet use in your family and how to behave in a positive way. ChildNet has a template available that is free to download for families to use.