What is Safer Internet Day?
Safer Internet Day is celebrated globally in February each year to promote the safe and positive use of digital technology, and to inspire a national conversation about using technology responsibly, respectfully, critically, and creatively.
Safer Internet Day 2022 is on 8th February and will be celebrated with the theme ‘All fun and games? Exploring respect and relationships online’. Coordinated in the UK by the UK Safer Internet Centre, Safer Internet Day is celebrated in over a hundred countries coordinated by the joint Insafe/INHOPE network, with the support of the European Commission, and national Safer Internet Centres across Europe
Why are the Board and Partnerships supporting Safer Internet Day?
We know that the internet is a brilliant place to connect with others, to be creative and to discover new things.
Now, more than ever, people are relying on the internet and virtual platforms to keep in touch and stay connected – and that is great – but people also need to be safe when they are using the internet.
The Board and Partnerships want to share guides, information and resources about how adults, children, young people & communities across North Yorkshire can keep themselves and others safe when they are online.
We will also share information about the action you can take if you are worried and where and who you report your concerns to.
We will be highlighting topics such as online radicalisation, grooming, child exploitation, relationships, online fraud and using social media as well as linking in to the key campaign messages of the overarching campaign ran by UK Safer Internet
What can you and your organisation do?
- Post Safer Internet Day content on your social media accounts
- Share the links and resources listed on your social media accounts, online platforms and throughout your communities and organisations
- Mobilise colleagues by sharing this briefing and asking them to join you in supporting the Safer Internet Day campaign
- Share messages from the following accounts on Twitter / Social Media:
NYSAB: @NYSAB1
NYSCP: @NYSCP1
NYCSP: @NYorksCSP
North Yorkshire Police: @NYorksPolice
UK Safer Internet Centre: @UK_SIC
Action Fraud: @ActionFraudUK
Internet Watch Foundation (IWF): @IWFhotline
Childnet: @Childnet
Helpful resources and links
The following resources and links in the drop down menu below can be shared on social media platforms and throughout your networks, organisations and communities:
Providing links to resources, guidance and information about staying safe online including top tips, social media checklists, sexting and revenge porn, reporting a nude image online and reporting harmful content that you see on the internet – visit: NYSCP – Staying Safe Online
Providing information about online radicalisation and a link to the online reporting form as well as links to further guidance – visit Staying safe online | ACT Early
The KeyRing Self-Advocacy team have created these accessible internet safety cards, which are useful and would be good for anyone navigating online friendships and relationships.
They cover: sharing of information, false identity, and safety measures when meeting online friends in real life, exchanging money based on trust, information you might share inadvertently such as on video, blackmail and nude photographs.
Visit: KEYRING SELF ADVOCACY – INTERNET SAFETY CARDS
This handy one minute guide gives guidance to professionals on the use of social media and addresses points such as the concerns about the use of social media, considerations when posting on social media and links to further guidance and support.
One Minute Guide (OMG) – Social Media Guidance for Professionals
Useful websites and links
There are a number of websites that can give you guidance on how to stay safe online, what to do if you are worried about something that has happened online and what to do if you see something that you find upsetting.
UK Safer Internet Centre: Homepage – UK Safer Internet Centre
Internet Watch Foundation: IWF – Welcome to the IWF
Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP): https://www.ceop.police.uk/safety-centre/
Childnet: Young people | Childnet
Useful signposting and contact details
- To report online material promoting terrorism of extremism visit: https://www.gov.uk/report-terrorism
- To report online scamming and cyber fraud visit: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/reportscam
- If you come across images and videos of child sexual abuse, report them to the Internet Watch Foundation: https://report.iwf.org.uk/en
- If you’re worried about online abuse or the way somebody has been communicating online with you or a child / young person you know – let CEOP (Child Exploitation Online Protection) know by reporting it here: https://www.ceop.police.uk/Safety-Centre/Should-I-make-a-report-to-CEOP-YP/