What will you do to make the internet a safer and more positive place? That’s the theme for Safer Internet Day 2016, Feb. 9 in Hollywood, CA.
Every year, ConnectSafely.org convenes youth leaders, educators, policy makers, parents, Internet safety experts and executives from the leading tech companies to discuss how we can all work together to make the online world better for everyone.
While it can be easy to get stuck on the risks and pitfalls of online safety, Safer Internet Day aims to remind us all that we can help to make the online world safer and more welcoming by contributing positively with our actions.
What You Can Do
- Create an agreement with your family on how to responsibly use your smart phones and devices with the The Smart Talk tool.
- Review the 7 Steps to Good Digital Parenting tool by the Family Online Safety Institute to better prepare yourself for the challenges of raising tech savvy children
- Familiarize yourself with the laws that protect Student Data Privacy. (En Español)
At Safer Internet Day 2016, more than 300 area high school students participate in interactive breakout sessions to share their feedback and ideas with internet safety professionals. There are also panels for students on how they can become activists to build kinder and more accepting communities online and offline. Some students said they plan to hold workshops and to organize social media awareness days once they return to their classrooms.
During the event, officials will announce a contest called “What’s Your Story.” The contest poses the question, “What does the internet mean to you?” and offers $10,000 in prizes.
To learn more about digital safety, visit PTA.org.
