European Safer Internet Day - 9 February 2010
The 7th edition of Safer Internet Day will be celebrated in Europe, as well as in more than 30 countries around the world, on 9 February 2010 under the slogan "Think B4 U post!".
On Safer Internet Day the Commission will present the results of the assessment of the implementation of the Safer Social Networking Principles for the EU, signed by 20 lead providers in Europe on 10 February 2009.
New technologies have turned all of us, and mostly young people, into publishers of information, pictures, videos. In addition, due to the new technologies we can all enjoy "fame".
While bringing about new opportunities for personal expression and creativity, new technologies may also lead to embarrassing or even traumatic situations. For example, photos, once posted online, remain online and can be seen by anybody, even years after they have been posted. Posting today's photos from a fun party, may have consequences on the way a potential employer considers a job application years later. Therefore, children and teenagers need to be empowered to manage their online identity in a responsible way, to be in control of their own online identity, and at the same time respect other people's choices of posting or not certain information or photos online.
The theme this year is 'Think B4 U post' and the campaign hopes to make the whole week (from Monday, February 8, 2010 to Friday, February 12, 2010) a week of action in the UK to protect children and young people online and to help them to keep their personal details safe.
Internet safety is a priority for all four of West Mercia Safeguarding Children Boards (Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin). By understanding the issues and actions that can be taken, you can help to keep children and young people safe when using the Internet.
Find out more…
Further information about activities for Safer Internet Day is available online: www.saferinternetday.org
Parents, carers and those working with children and young people can also download a leaflet at: www.childnet-int.org/blogsafety about reducing the risks online as well as the Worcestershire Safeguarding Board's leaflet (pdf link) which includes Childnet International's SMART message for safe internet usage.
A useful website for children, young people, parents, carers and teachers is also available at www.thinkuknow.co.uk.
If you work with children and young people, information sessions are being held on February 9, 2010 at County Hall and February 11, 2010 at Hindlip Hall. To find out more or reserve a place, contact John Dickinson on 01905 752830 or email jdickinson@worcestershire.gov.uk
The Worcestershire Safeguarding Children Board
The Board is made up of representatives across Worcestershire agencies. A full list of partners (link to: www.worcestershiresafeguarding.org.uk/partneragencies.html) as well as details on the work of the board is available on the Worcestershire Safeguarding Children Board's website (www.worcestershiresafeguarding.org.uk)
