February 10

Safer Internet Day

Safer Internet Day 2022: Let's create a more secure online world for everyone! Learn the best practices to protect your digital presence today.

Yearly Date

Second Tuesday in February

Observed in

United States

Introduction

Mark your calendars for an incredibly important global occasion, Safer Internet Day, happening each year on February 13! It's a day dedicated entirely to creating a safer and better internet, where everyone is empowered to use technology more responsibly, respectfully, critically and creatively. Started in Europe in 2004, it's now celebrated in more than 150 countries worldwide, truly making its mark with a universal message - creating a safer internet is a responsibility we all share. Join us as we participate in various activities on this day, hone our digital literacy skills, and commit to making the Internet a safer place for everyone. Remember, small steps lead to big changes!

Safer Internet Day Timeline

2004

Safer Internet Day Inception

Safer Internet Day was first organized by the European Union's SafeBorders project.

2005

Insafe Coordination

Euroepan network Insafe started coordinating SID activities to promote safer and more responsible use of online technology and mobile phones, particularly among children and young people.

2011

SID Global Growth

Safer Internet Day began getting recognized outside Europe, with more than 70 countries observing the day.

2013

U.S. Official Recognition

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the European Commission announced official recognition of Safer Internet Day in the United States.

2016

100+ Countries Participation

Safer Internet Day was celebrated in over 100 countries, spreading awareness about internet safety worldwide.

2022

SID Digital Skills Focus

Safer Internet Day honed its focus on digital skills and literacy to protect the digital presence of netizens across the globe.

How to Celebrate Safer Internet Day

1 Participate in a Cybersecurity Workshop

Look out for online workshops or webinars that offer training programs on Internet safety. These workshops could discuss a variety of topics including how to protect personal data, maintain privacy, and prevent cyberbullying.

2 Start a Digital Clean-up

Use this day as an opportunity to initiate a digital cleanup. Update all system software, change old passwords, discard unused apps, and clear cache and cookies from your browser.

3 Create an Online Safety Guidelines Handbook

Spend the day creating a handbook of online safety guidelines suitable for all ages. This could be shared with family, friends, and colleagues to promote internet safety.

4 Host a Discussion about Internet Safety

Use this opportunity to organize a friendly gathering where you can discuss internet threats, share experiences, and learn from each other's mistakes. This can be done virtually or in-person.

5 Organize an Online Quiz Competition

Make learning fun by organizing an online quiz competition. Questions could be related to internet safety and best practices. This not only checks the audience's knowledge but also helps educate them in a playful way.

Why Safer Internet Day is Important

It Promotes Online Safety

Safer Internet Day is dedicated to making online spaces safer and fostering a sense of security. It's a chance for everyone to update our understanding of current threats and how to protect ourselves against them, ensuring that our digital lives are as protected as possible.

It encourages a sense of shared responsibility

Safer Internet Day underlines an essential truth: forming a safer internet is a collective task. We all have a role to play, whether it's teaching, learning, or implementing best practices for online safety. By recognizing that we're all in this together, we can make meaningful strides towards making the internet a safer place for everyone.

It Offers Opportunities for Learning and Sharing

Whether through webinars or in-person events, Safer Internet Day offers excellent opportunities to learn about cybersecurity. Likewise, it's a great time to share our own experiences and knowledge. This great exchange of ideas can lead to increased awareness and stronger overall security online.