Safer Internet Day (SID) is fast approaching. On Tuesday, 9 February 2021, there will be millions around the globe joining forces to come “Together for a better internet”. How do you plan to participate in the big day?
If you’re not familiar with Safer Internet Day, it’s an annual event organised by the Insafe/INHOPE network of European Safer Internet Centres (SICs) with the support of the European Commission*, that has taken place every February since 2004.
It has been a global, community-led observance which provides a space for all stakeholders to reflect on how together we can promote a responsible, respectful, critical and creative use of digital technologies with the ultimate goal of fostering a better internet for all.
Despite the restrictions placed on celebrations this year, SID 2021 will still be a vibrant and engaging occasion, allowing us all to reflect on our increased use of digital technologies as a result of the pandemic through a host of events and activities!
Internet Safety in Ireland
In line with the EU Safer Internet initiative, Ireland provides awareness raising, helplines and a hotline. These services are delivered by partner organisations, with the Department of Justice providing coordination.
The project partners are:
- Webwise.ie This is part of the PDST (Professional Development Service for Teachers) Technology in Education in the Department of Education and Skills. It deals with awareness raising, develops materials and programmes for schools and runs the annual event for Safer Internet Day in Ireland.
- Hotline.ie The Internet Service Providers’ Association of Ireland (ISPAI) operates the hotline, the service which allows the public to report suspected illegal content or activities found on the internet.
- ISPCC Childline The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (ISPCC) operates the helpline (Childine), which provides services on a 24/7 basis where children affected by issues encountered on the internet may turn for advice and guidance.
- NPC Primary The National Parents Council Primary operates the parent/adult helpline, a dedicated helpline to deal with issues relating to internet safety, including cyberbullying. The NPC also provides parents with training courses, both online and face to face.
#BeKind – ONLINE WEBINAR SERIES
As part of Safer Internet Day, the Irish Safer Internet Centre will host a series of webinars to help keep you and your families safe online:
Tuesday, 9 February: 7.30pm-8.15pm
· Title: Empowering Healthy Online Behaviour in Teenagers
· Guest Speaker: Dr Nicola Fox Hamilton, cyberpsychology researcher, member of the Cyberpsychology Research Group at the University of Wolverhampton and lectures in Cyberpsychology and Psychology in IADT, Dun Laoghaire.
· Audience: This webinar is for parents of teenagers.
· Register here
Wednesday, 10 February 7.30pm-8.15pm
· Title: Empowering Healthy Online Behaviour in Younger Children
· Guest Speaker: Mark Smyth, Consultant Clinical Psychologist
· Audience: This webinar is for parents of younger children.
· Register here
Thursday, 11 February 7.30pm-8.15pm
· Title: Empowering students to build digital resilience and manage their online wellbeing
· Guest Speakers: Jane McGarrigle and Tracy Hogan (Webwise)
· Audience: This webinar is for teachers, educators, school leaders and education stakeholders.
· Register here
Resources
- Visit www.saferinternetday.org to get an idea of how SID committees and supporters are celebrating SID 2021, and to find a variety of resources and inspiration for your own plans.
- Keep an eye on the official Safer Internet Day Twitter and Facebook pages.
* Safer Internet Day would not be possible without the support of the European Commission. Currently the funding is provided by the Connecting Europe Facility programme (CEF). Find out more about the EC’s “European Strategy for a Better Internet for Children” on the European Commission’s website.
