We live in the age where everything is just one click away. The Internet has now become the way of life.
Online surfing has revolutionized communications and methods of commerce by allowing various computer networks around the world to interconnect. By 2020, approximately 4.5 billion people, or more than half of the world’s population, were estimated to have access to the Internet.
It is now more than just an information source or research tool. Its smooth operation relies heavily on the proper conduct of users. Therefore, one must know the wise use of the same for Internet can be a terrifying place if not used properly.
About Safer Internet Day:
Every year February 8, is observed as Safer Internet Day which is a worldwide initiative that began with the goal to make the Internet a safer and better place for everyone. What started as a campaign to create awareness about Internet safety about ten years ago in Europe, has now grown significantly, and is celebrated in over 100 countries globally.
Theme for 2022:
This year, Safer Internet Day will be celebrated with the theme ‘All fun and games? Exploring respect and relationships online’.
This day is celebrated with local and national organisations coming together to raise awareness about correct Internet practices. They focus on topics such as consent, and data privacy and ownership. They also discuss concerns about digital identity, cyberbullying, and social networks.
The prime motive of the day is to raise awareness about different themes that usually involve how users, particularly those of the younger generation, should use the Internet, and what practices they should follow to avoid online threats or risks, to name a few.
The Day was first celebrated in 2005. Today it is celebrated in over 100 countries, coordinated by the joint Insafe/INHOPE network, with the support of the European Commission, and national Safer Internet Centres across Europe.
Raising awareness of cyber crime among children and young people is particularly important. Often they are too reckless with their digital identities and are uncertain of how to surf the net safely.
Links especially do not always lead to harmless sites. Trojans, viruses, malware or phishing attempts can hide behind harmless looking emails. However, Internet fraud is also an underestimated danger.
Simple security tips can protect users from cyber attacks and ensure a more responsible way of handling sensitive data.
Parents and guardians must supervise young children’s use of the internet, including periodically checking their profiles and posts.
Here are few tips:
Be open with your child about their online activities: As soon as your child starts accessing the internet, talk to them about what they are reading, watching and who they are communicating with online – and keep the conversation going as they grow older.
Ask your child what sites they visit or apps they use, write a list, and look at them together. Talk to your child about what you think is appropriate, and remind them that this may be different for other parents and their children.
They must Know the parental controls: Innocent searches online can lead to not-so-innocent results, so it’s wise to know how to use the parental controls/search restrictions offered by web browsers, internet service providers and devices.
For example, the SafeSearch Filters feature on Google will block sites with explicit sexual material. To turn it on, go to Settings/SafeSearch Filters. Although not 100 per cent accurate, parental controls can help prevent your child from seeing and accessing most violent or sexual material.
They must teach the children to keep their location private: Most apps, networks and devices have geo-tagging features which make your whereabouts public and can lead someone directly to you. These features should be turned off for obvious privacy and safety reasons.
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