Safer Internet Day 2021 takes place on Tuesday, 9 February and we hope that you will join in the celebrations. Safer Internet Day (SID) is an EU wide initiative to promote a safer internet for all users, especially young people. It is promoted in Ireland by the PDST Technology in Education and Webwise, the Irish internet safety awareness centre.
While Covid-19 restrictions mean that activities will look a little different, #SID2021 can still be a fun, vibrant, and engaging celebration.
This year the theme is online wellbeing and digital resilience, a topic that is more important than ever as we rely on technology for education, work, entertainment and to stay connected with others.
Here are some useful ideas, activities, suggestions to get involved in Safer Internet Day this year while exploring the theme of online wellbeing.
1. Managing your online wellbeing – Webwise Guest Panel Discussion
On Safer Internet Day Webwise will broadcast a short webinar for post-primary students reflecting on the role technology has played in our lives this year and explores ways to help students manage their online wellbeing.
The event will provide an opportunity to hear about the experiences of figures from the world of entertainment, sport, cyberpsychology and the tech industry. Joining the discussion are 2FM's; Eoghan McDermott, Cyberpsychologist; Dr Nicola Fox-Hamilton, Public Policy Lead for Kids and Families at Google; Dr Alicia Blum-Ross, All-Ireland winning former Dublin Footballer Eamon Fennell. The discussion will be hosted by Webwise Youth Advisory Panel member Billie Constantinou.
The event will be available online on Safer Internet Day, Tuesday, February 9th via Webwise.ie and can be found on the Webwise Facebook and Twitter channels and via: Panel Discussion
2. Online Wellbeing and Building Resilience Online
Our online wellbeing can be influenced by the content we see, the interactions we have, the choices we make, and even how long we spend using technology and the internet. This year, as we spend even more time online it is important to make time to consider how going online can influence the way we feel, think, and behave.
The Safer Internet Day PowerPoint Presentation: Managing My Online Wellbeing (Post Primary) aims to provide context to the aim and purpose of Safer Internet Day; an EU wide initiative to promote a safer internet for all users, especially young people. This scripted presentation can be delivered online by school leaders or teachers and provides useful tips and strategies for managing your online wellbeing.
The Safer Internet Day PowerPoint Presentation and Script: Managing My Online Wellbeing is available to download here: Full presentation
3. Image Sharing and Consent
Explore the topic of image-sharing and consent online using the Lockers programme. The Lockers resource provides information and resources for schools around the sharing of explicit self-generated images.
This educational resource covers issues related to the non-consensual sharing of intimate images such as information on the law on sharing intimate content, victim blaming, peer-pressure and non-consensual sharing, the influence of media and gender stereotypes and provides key advice on where to get help.
Download it or order the full resource HERE
4. #BeKindOnline
Promote respectful communication using the Connected short film. The Connected campaign video is a great resource which allows us to reflect on how we communicate and interact with
others online. The film is based on real life experiences and encourages young people to reflect on why their actions matter and the impact it can have on others. It carries an important message to be more mindful in our everyday communications as we shape the internet everyday with our interactions. The campaign is supported by helpful advice and where to get support.
5. See The Full Picture
Kick off a discussion on the topic of self-esteem online using The Full Picture video above. Social media is a fantastic way to connect and share with others.
While social media has many benefits, it can be a place where we feel pressure to live up to certain standards, or which can instill self-doubt when we see images or the lifestyles of others.
The Full Picture campaign film explores the topics of self-image (how we see ourselves) and self-esteem (our sense of self-worth or confidence in our own value) online and the role that social media can play in this. The Full Picture is a short film exploring how young people use social media to connect and share.
The film highlights the influences and pressures young people face online and encourages them to see the full picture. Social media helps us share our lives but it does not tell the whole story.
More information, advice and support can be found here: Webwise The Full Picture
6. Promote Safe Online Communication
Help students practice safe online communication using the Be in Ctrl resource.
Lesson 1 of the Be in Ctrl resource contains a free scripted presentation that helps young people to identify suspicious communication online and consider how they can protect themselves online.
It also outlines the steps that can be taken when young people are the victims of webcam blackmail and promotes seeking help and reporting of such incidents to the Gardaí.
Be in Ctrl is available to order or download for free HERE.
7. Identifying False Information Online
False information can spread rapidly on social media, online platforms or in messaging apps, often taking advantage of times of uncertainty.
Being faced with so much content makes it more important than ever to be aware of where our information comes from, and to avoid mistakenly putting trust in information and sources online that are deceptive, ambiguous or false.
Module 2 of the Connected resource contains activities to explore the topic of misinformation and promote critical thinking and can be seen HERE.
8. What is Big Data?
Introduce students to the topic of big data and explore how the data economy works using Module 3 of Connected.
The Your Data Footprint activity contained in this Module 3 of the Connected resource will help you explore the topic of data literacy further and help students consider what information is being collected about you every time you go online and how big data affects our personal information and what information is presented to us when we go online.
You can download Module 3 HERE!
9. Remote Safer Internet Day Online Wellbeing Activities
For more ideas and inspiration on how to run a Covid-19 safe activity in your school for Safer Internet Day check out this article full of ideas and remote activities by the Webwise Youth Advisory Panel - HERE
10. Share your plans for Safer Internet Day
Regardless of how big or small your event or activity is, if you are marking Safer Internet Day – let us know! The interactive Safer Internet Day map of Ireland highlights the schools and organisations from all over Ireland that are taking part.
Register on the Webwise SID Hub to feature on the map, and to receive your free Safer Internet Day pack and wristbands.
These are just a few ideas for what you can explore for online wellbeing this Safer Internet Day 2021, but how you highlight online wellbeing and safety is up to you!
Whatever activity you choose to do, be sure to join in the national and international conversation online using #SID2021, #BeKindOnline and tag Webwise on social media.
Visit webwise.ie for more information!
