February 10th, 2015
Today is Safer Internet Day (SID). Now in its 11th year, SID, as it is commonly known, grew from a European Union initiative to what is now a global movement with activities, events and happenings in over 100 countries on 7 continents.
The global tag line for SID is “Let’s create a better internet together.” The slogan has an emphasis on creating – not simply a safer, but a better internet. And while this is a collective effort, it so often comes down to individual choices, to do good online or not.
Let’s use this day to not only reflect on our actions (or inactions) but also to consciously create safer, more respectful and civil online spaces. Talk with your kids about the importance of good digital citizenship. If you have older parents or seniors in your life, check to see if they are safe and secure in their online encounters and encourage them to be co-creators, too. This wonderful documentary will provide some great ideas for connecting the older folks in your life in a fun and uplifting way.
For all the parents out there, try out these 7 Steps to Good Digital Parenting. There are tips, tools, resources and videos on all aspects of parenting in the digital age. We need to hone our own skills and to be able to talk with confidence to our kids if we’re going to help them create a better internet to grow up and thrive in.
Let’s do it today.