Safer Internet Day will take place on Tuesday 7th February with the theme 'Be the change: unite for a better internet'. 

This day is an opportunity for us all to stand together and show what kind of internet we want - where kindness is the norm and everyone is treated with respect.

Safer Internet Day is celebrated globally each year to promote the safe and positive use of digital technology for children and young people.  See website. 

Closer to home, SAFEcic*, a community interest company that delivers specialist child and adult safeguarding solutions, is providing free face to face eSafety training for parents, carers and families in Suffolk on Monday 6th February 2017. Details can be found here.

Five Tips on Creating a Kinder Internet for All

1. Post positively. We all can make choices to be kinder online and help to create a better internet for everyone.
2. Think before you post. Remember there's a person behind the screen reading what you post. Even words meant as a joke can be upsetting to others. Using terms that are offensive (for example to someone's disability, sexual orientation or gender) can have lasting consequences on a person's self-esteem.
3. Don't suffer in silence. Speak to a parent, teacher or other trusted adult if you see or receive any abuse online. Look out for your friends and be there for them in person. If you don't feel ready to chat to an adult, talk to a friend or get in touch with ChildLine online or call 0800 11 11.
4. Report to social networks and block anyone who is being mean. Social media companies rely on the community to tell them when something isn't right; play an active role as a digital citizen and report anything that you think might break the rules.
5. Report anything to police that might break the law. Online actions can have offline consequences, and some things you post can even break the law. If you see anything online that you think might break the law then report to your local police or speak to an adult who can help you to take action.

#SID2017  #giveasmile campaign

*Established in 1999, SAFE is a non-profit organisation with the sole objective of helping make safeguarding services as accessible as possible to those who need them.

Date : 31-01-2017