Today, February 5^th, is Safer Internet Day, a globally recognized day to promote a safer and better internet.

Started in 2004 as an initiative, Safer Internet Day aims to empower everyone “to use technology responsibly, respectfully, critically, and creatively.”¹  While mostly aimed at teaching children how to use the internet safely, the fundamentals of the day are essential for all users of the internet, regardless of their age. 

Google has compiled a list of five ways to “Be Internet Awesome.”  Following these guidelines will help lead to a safer and more conscientious internet experience.

• Share with Care – Take the time to think about what you’re posting before you post it.  The old saying “you can’t put a genie back in the bottle,” is no truer than with the internet.
• Don’t Fall for Fake – People lie, people lure, and people take advantage. Take everything on the internet with a grain of salt, especially if you’re talking to a stranger. If someone you don’t know starts talking to you, don’t just assume they are being truthful.  “Stranger Danger!” applies to the internet, too.
• Secure Your Secrets - Security goes beyond just strong passwords (still have strong passwords), security includes being careful what links you click on, where you go online, and what personal information you share.  If you wouldn’t tell your best friend your social security number, you shouldn’t just put it on an unsecured website. 
• It’s Cool to Be Kind – Now we’re moving into the conscientious part of the list. Too often, people online forget that treating others like you want to be treated is actually a good thing. Take the high road and don’t get dragged down into online bickering and bullying.
• When in Doubt, Talk It Out – This one leans more towards kids who run into questionable content or encounters.  It encourages them not to be scared to talk with a trusting adult (parent or teacher) if they feel confused by anything that happens online.²

These tips are a great foundation to lead a better and safer internet life.  Head over to Google’s “Be Internet Awesome” page to find out more and play an in-browser game that teaches internet safety. 

If you’re a parent or guardian who wants to further educate the young ones in your life about best practices for the internet, the UK Safer Internet Centre has education packs for all ages.  Check them out here.

Have a wonderful Safer Internet Day and just remember, 2018’s top two most used passwords were 123456 and password³, so if that’s your password, celebrate the day by changing it.

References

1. About Safer Internet Day USA. (n.d.). Retrieved February 4, 2019, from https://saferinternetday.us/aboutsidusa/

2. Be Internet Awesome. (n.d.). Retrieved February 5, 2019, from https://beinternetawesome.withgoogle.com/en_us

3. Rense, S. (2018, December 13). The Top 25 Passwords in 2018 Are an Embarrassment to Humankind. Retrieved February 5, 2019, from https://www.esquire.com/lifestyle/a25570880/top-passwords-2018/