Safer Internet Day 2018
This year’s Safer Internet Day aims to highlight positive uses of digital technology and explore the role we can all play to develop safer online environments, especially when it comes to the protection of children and young people.
Coordinated in the UK, the global awareness day is a partnership between Childnet International, the Internet Watch Foundation, and South West Grid for Learning.
Organisations backing the campaign include charities, Police services, schools and colleges, and the private sector.
The Safer Internet Day website provides information for anyone with concerns about using the internet, and offers guides for safely using social media.
You can also get updates by following the #SaferInternetDay and #SID2018 hashtags on twitter.
Local authorities across Scotland will be taking part in the awareness campaign and hosting events where children and young people can get advice from experts in online safety.
Primary School pupils in North Lanarkshire will be attending an event hosted by the North Lanarkshire Child Protection Committee.
Marian Martin, Independent Chair of North Lanarkshire Child Protection Committee said:
“The internet, social media and other online platforms provide young people with enormous opportunities for learning and socialising... However along with the tremendous opportunities it brings, this resource also bring risks and unfortunately that means there can be people out there who are intent on exploiting innocent, young people in order to harm them, take advantage of them or carry out criminal activity."
CELCIS have a range of information and resources to help protect children and young people online.
As part of our Protecting Children work here at CELCIS, we contribute to Scotland’s National Action Plan to Prevent and Tackle Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) and we support the National CSE Group.
Related resources
Report from Barnardo's on the risks the internet poses to children and young people. Digital dangers: The impact of technology on the sexual abuse and exploitation of children and young people
Young Scot's Snapchat story made with The Scottish Government and Leith Agency. This video contains sensitive material which may trigger an emotional response. Bad Romance: A live SnapChat story