Today is Safer Internet Day in the European Union, a day that promotes safe and responsible use of the Internet and mobile technologies among young people. We asked Childnet International, a member of Facebook's Safety Advisory Board, and its CEO Will Gardner to share more about this year's theme and how the organization is working with young people on Internet safety.
When young people discuss the future of the Internet and new technologies, a central theme is keeping safe. Many see it as a right.
At Childnet International, we saw this reaction firsthand as part of the recent Youth IGF Project we organized. The project was developed as a way for young people to have a voice at the Internet Governance Forum and to engage in a dialogue with Internet industry and lawmakers. As Thomas, age 12 and one of the participants, explained, "(We want) to have (the) freedom to go on what we want without being restricted, but (to) still be safe on the Internet."
Safer Internet Day is an important event in the Internet safety calendar and provides a great opportunity to showcase some of the key messages about staying safe online. Held for the past four years on the second Tuesday of the second month, Safer Internet Day has grown beyond its origins in the EU and is now celebrated in countries across the world. The theme this year is "Think Before You Post," a vital message not only for children and young people but, let's be honest, adults as well.
In this Web 2.0 world, where people have the ability to instantly communicate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, it is more important than ever to think about your behaviour online to protect yourself and your friends, as well as for the good of the broader Internet community. While the message of "Think Before You Post" is relevant for all age groups, it is particularly important for those who frequently use social media services like Facebook. Information and images online have longevity and an incredible reach, which we need to factor into any decision to post content. We need to think about the possible implications and impact of our posts.
Consider these questions, compiled by the organisers of Safety Internet Day, before your next posting, and if you're a parent, ask your children these questions to help them learn about responsible posting:
"Think Before You Post" is a positive message. It is about taking control of your online safety and participating in the benefits of social media, with respect for yourself and for others.
Will is getting ready to re-launch Childnet's digizen website following Safer Internet Day to help young people think before they post.
When young people discuss the future of the Internet and new technologies, a central theme is keeping safe. Many see it as a right.
At Childnet International, we saw this reaction firsthand as part of the recent Youth IGF Project we organized. The project was developed as a way for young people to have a voice at the Internet Governance Forum and to engage in a dialogue with Internet industry and lawmakers. As Thomas, age 12 and one of the participants, explained, "(We want) to have (the) freedom to go on what we want without being restricted, but (to) still be safe on the Internet."
Safer Internet Day is an important event in the Internet safety calendar and provides a great opportunity to showcase some of the key messages about staying safe online. Held for the past four years on the second Tuesday of the second month, Safer Internet Day has grown beyond its origins in the EU and is now celebrated in countries across the world. The theme this year is "Think Before You Post," a vital message not only for children and young people but, let's be honest, adults as well.
In this Web 2.0 world, where people have the ability to instantly communicate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, it is more important than ever to think about your behaviour online to protect yourself and your friends, as well as for the good of the broader Internet community. While the message of "Think Before You Post" is relevant for all age groups, it is particularly important for those who frequently use social media services like Facebook. Information and images online have longevity and an incredible reach, which we need to factor into any decision to post content. We need to think about the possible implications and impact of our posts.
Consider these questions, compiled by the organisers of Safety Internet Day, before your next posting, and if you're a parent, ask your children these questions to help them learn about responsible posting:
- Are you using the privacy settings offered by social networking services? On Facebook, you can always adjust them on the Privacy Settings page.
- Are you selecting friends online that you can trust? Remember it's not just about what you post, but how others may use that content.
- Are you carefully thinking about the potential consequences of publishing your photos before you upload them?
- Do you ask for permission from your friends before publishing photos of them? A photo that may be funny to you may cause harm for a friend.
"Think Before You Post" is a positive message. It is about taking control of your online safety and participating in the benefits of social media, with respect for yourself and for others.
Will is getting ready to re-launch Childnet's digizen website following Safer Internet Day to help young people think before they post.