Click here for ‘Insight’ Videos, Lesson Plans and Family Activities
You’re invited to join us and 100+ countries around the world in celebrating Safer Internet Day on Tuesday, Feb. 9.
This year, Safer Internet Day in the U.S. focuses on the idea that everyone plays an important role in making the internet better. The theme is “The Internet starts with I” — asking everyone to think about “What I can do to make the internet better.” And while we can take personal responsibility for our own actions, we can also work together. “Internet” ends with T,” reminds us that we’re all in this together. That includes families, companies, governments, and everyone else. We all have a role to play.
“Safer Internet Day is an opportunity for people around the world to look for ways to make the online world not just safer, but better,” said ConnectSafely CEO Larry Magid. “ConnectSafely is proud to host the U.S. celebration in cooperation with public officials, tech companies, other nonprofits and, most importantly, schools, students and families from across the U.S.”
Get Involved
Due to the pandemic, we won’t offer any in-person events this year. There are still many ways to celebrate Safer Internet Day in your community or home. See the full list at SID-USA.org.
Everyone
- Watch ConnectSafely’s “Industry Insight” video series for a look at what tech companies, policymakers and others are doing to keep people safe on apps and services.
- Spread the word about Safer Internet Day on social media using the hashtag #SID2021. See SID-USA.org for ways to rally your followers online.
- Mobilize volunteers to coach seniors on how to use their phones and computers.
Schools
Use ConnectSafely’s lesson plans for elementary, middle and high school students.
Families
- Discuss our theme The internet starts with “I” and ends with “T.” What does that mean and how does it apply to your family?
- Brainstorm “rules” for digital civility. Create an online and printed pledge with everyone’s best ideas.
- Spread the word about Safer Internet Day on social media using the hashtag #SID2021. See SID-USA.org for ways to rally your followers.
- Jumpstart family discussion about digital safety and civility. Some conversation starters:
- You see a post or fact online that just doesn’t seem right. How do you check if it’s true? Do you share it, correct it or just ignore it?
- An ad pops up while you’re doing a search—you click on the ad—it takes you away from your original search. What do you do?
- You’re using an app that you have permission to use, but while using the app you get a message from someone you don’t know. What do you do?
- You post a picture of a friend or classmate and they ask you to take it down. What do you do?
Companies & Community Organizations
- Sign up to become a Safer Internet Day U.S. partner.
- Spread the word about Safer Internet Day on social media using the hashtag #SID2021. See SID-USA.org for ways to rally your followers.
- Host a Twitter chat to discuss “rules” for digital civility. Share the best ideas in the company newsletter and on social media using the hashtag #SID2021.
- Mobilize volunteers to coach seniors on how to use their phones and computers.
U.S. Safer Internet Day 2021 is a collaboration of tech companies, nonprofits and public agencies, including Google, Microsoft, NortonLifeLock, Facebook, Comcast, Amazon Kids, TikTok, Trend Micro, NCTA – The Internet & Television Association, National PTA and other organizations.
Safer Internet Day (#SID2021) is a global event celebrated in more than 100 countries around the world. The event gained official recognition in the U.S. in 2012, with a joint agreement between the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the European Commission to work together to build a better internet for youth. ConnectSafely was appointed U.S. host in 2013.
The full agenda and more information are available at SID-USA.org.