Safer Internet Day is a global event that brings together communities, families, schools and organisations from more than 200 countries to help create safer online spaces.
This worldwide initiative is celebrating 20 years in 2023, making it a great time to reflect as well as look forward.
Technology has evolved dramatically in the past two decades and the benefits have been huge. These developments have also exposed us to many risks with real-world impacts, making online safety awareness even more important.
That's why we are calling on Australians to Connect. Reflect. Protect.
Connect safely and with purpose – by keeping apps and devices secure and using social media in positive ways.
Reflect before we act – by taking a moment to consider how what we do and say online may affect others.
Protect ourselves and others by taking action – by telling family, friends or colleagues about eSafety and how we can help.
By doing these simple things, we can work towards making every day a Safer Internet Day.
Why it's important to Connect. Reflect. Protect. this Safer Internet Day:
- Almost half of children were treated in a hurtful or nasty way online in the past year
- 26% of children have treated someone in a hurtful or nasty way online in the past year
- 1 in 10 children have been the target of hate speech online
- Many parents of 14 to 17 year olds aren’t aware their children have viewed potentially harmful content
- 30% of teens have been contacted by a stranger online
- 47% of 14 to 17 year olds have received a sexual message from someone in the past year
- 67% of adults have had a negative experience online in the past year
- 32% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples* also experience hate speech —double the national average
- 30% of LGBTIQ+ Australians experience online hate speech - double the national avergae