February 5th is “Safer Internet Day”

SafetyWeb applauds efforts to make the internet a safer place for kids and teenagers. That’s why we thought it was important to highlight “Safer Internet Day (SID) 2013.” It’s celebrated each February to promote safer and more responsible use of online technology and mobile phones, especially amongst children and young people across the world.

In its 10^th year, it will take place this year on February 5^th with the theme of “Online Rights and Responsibilities,” encouraging users to “Connect with Respect.”

Started as an initiative of the European Union Safe Borders Project and later taken up by the Insafe Network, SID has grown to now be celebrated in more than 90 countries worldwide across six continents.

The U.S.A. Safer Internet Committee led by e-safety education solutions organization, i-Safe has posted their Bill of Education and Empowerment Rights/Responsibility for Students (as featured below) to help kids understand basic guidelines to follow and uphold when it comes to sharing the online community and coexisting with other citizens around the world in a responsible and respectful manner.

• Right to access the Internet. Empowerment responsibility to follow parental/school guidelines for appropriate use and time restrictions.
• Right to an open Internet. Empowerment responsibility to respond appropriately to uncomfortable, even dangerous situations.
• Right to use online information, files, media. Empowerment responsibility to “borrow” legally – not “steal.”
• Right to publish text, digital media. Empowerment responsibility to post ethically.
• Right to make friends and socialize. Empowerment responsibility to differentiate between online and real-world friends.
• Right to privacy. Empowerment responsibility to use secure passwords and privacy settings.
• Right to anonymity. Empowerment responsibility to use safe screen names and avatars.
• Right to be treated respectfully. Empowerment responsibility to treat others the same.
• Right to a bully-free Internet. Empowerment responsibility to stand up for victims of cyber -bullying.
• Right to comprehensive, standardized, classroom-based, empowering, e-Safety education.

More information about Safer Internet Day 2013 and how individuals, schools, communities and companies can get involved can be found at www.SaferInternetDay.org.