UK organisations mark Safer Internet Day

Digital safety organisations are putting on events around the country today to spread the message about maintaining good security practices online to mark Safer Internet Day.

This year the theme of the event is ‘Want to talk about it? Making space for conversations about life online’ with a focus on educating young people about safe practices on social media.

The UK Safer Internet Centre is the lead organisation for the day in the UK, it’s Director, Will Gardner OBE, said: ‘Our research shows a real desire amongst most parents, carers and young people to start a conversation about online safety. 

‘It also highlights the importance of our role in ensuring parents feel equipped to have these conversations when they arise – especially as young people are ready to talk at home about their online lives.’

School around the country were able to tune in to an online safety lesson broadcast from Liverpool FC’s Anfield stadium after some students were able to visit the grounds and receive hands on training about digital safety. 

Digital focussed public sector organisations such as GCHQ and the National Cyber Security Centre have also been marking the occasion by signposting social media users to advice and support on ensuring they and their children know how to operate safely online. 

Research commissioned by the UKSIC recently found that 35% of parents are unsure of where to go for support whilst 7% of young people feel like they cannot have a conversation with anyone about their life online. 

Additionally, though the day’s message is focussed on educating children, the survey by Censuswide also found that over half of young people feel they can actually educate their parents or carers on internet harms 

Safer Internet Day first began in 2004 as an initiative by the EU SafeBorders project and is now marked in 170 countries around the world. 

The NCSC recently published advice for organisations to stay protected against email phishing campaigns lead by Russian and Iranian hacking groups.

Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya