Every year, Safer Internet Day brings tools, education, and awareness to create a safer internet for both kids and adults. From cyberbullying and identity theft to fraud and human trafficking, the internet can be a frightening place. Safer Internet Day and ConnectSafely.org aim to make the internet a better place.

The day brings organizations and individuals together with the common goal of reaching as many internet users as possible and provide them with the tools and resources to keep them safe. Every day, we all face the potential of becoming a victim of internet crimes. However, there are ways to protect ourselves and to teach our children how to correctly use the internet, too.

We use the internet to keep our families closer together. Schools use the internet to connect students to tools and resources. Thanks to the internet, libraries are able to share books all over the country creating a larger virtual library. Users bank, visit their physician, order medication and shop all from the comfort of their mobile devices.

Each interaction is expected to be respectful and positive. However, sometimes, we’re careless. Either we leave our device at risk or the communication leaves a negative reaction behind. As a world community, we can develop ways to make the internet a safer place to experience.

SAFER INTERNET DAY HISTORY

In the United States, Safer Internet Day U.S. campaign began in 2013.  It is celebrated around the world in 100 countries and is a growing collaboration between U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the European Commission as well as support from Ask.fm, Comcast NBC Universal, Facebook, Google, LifeLock, LinkedIn, Microsoft, Symantec, Trend Micro, Twitter, and Yahoo. For more information visit SaferInternetDayUS.org or ConnectSafely.org.

HOW TO OBSERVE #SaferInternetDay

Visit SaferInternetDayUS.org for information on making the internet safer and to join others in the effort.  Use #SaferInternetDayUS to share on social media.