By Jane McGarrigle, Webwise.
Safer Internet Day will take place on Tuesday 9th February 2021, this EU wide initiative promotes a safer internet for all users, especially young people. 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, there are lots of ways to get involved and help make SID 2021 as vibrant and meaningful as ever.
#BeKindOnline
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. #BeKindOnline is also being supported by TikTok and will be visible on the discover page on Safer Internet Day, Irish creators will also get involved and promote the #BeKindOnline message.
Why not join in the online campaign by sharing what #BeKindOnline means to you and encouraging others to do the same.
Share your Safer Internet Day plans
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!
Remote and socially distanced activities
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.
Scripted Safer Internet Day presentations
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 Parents
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.
Help spread the word
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.
Relevant Tags: @WebwiseIreland // @saferinternetday // #SID2021 // #BeKindOnline // #TheFullPicture
