Safer Internet Day

Safer Internet Day: Together for a Better Internet

On February 11th, we celebrated Safer Internet Day, a day dedicated to promoting safer and more responsible use of online technology. This global event, which began as an initiative of the EU Safe Borders project in 2004, has grown to be celebrated in nearly 200 countries and territories. This year's theme, "Together for a Better Internet," reminds us of the collective effort needed to create a safer, more inclusive online community.

The Importance of Online Safety

In our increasingly digital world, the internet plays a vital role in our daily lives, offering endless opportunities for learning, social interaction, and fun. However, it also brings significant risks, such as cyberbullying, identity theft, and exposure to inappropriate content. It is crucial that we practice online safety to protect ourselves and our loved ones from these threats.

1. Keep your passwords private: Create long, unique passwords with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Consider using a password manager.
2. Protect personal information: Only share personal details on trusted websites and be cautious of unsolicited requests.
3. Educate: Teach children about online safety, set up parental controls, and monitor their online activities. Apps like Bark, Qustodio, and Microsoft Family Safety can help monitor online activities, set screen time limits, and block inappropriate content

How to Report Unsafe Online Behaviour

If you encounter unsafe behaviour online, it's important to know how to report it effectively.

1. Document the incident: Capture evidence of the abusive behaviour, such as screenshots, messages, or posts.
2. Review the platform's policies: Familiarise yourself with the platform's guidelines on what constitutes unacceptable behaviour and how to report it.
3. Submit the report:  - https://www.esafety.gov.au/report/forms