Larry Magid: Observing Safer Internet Day

"In 2003, the European Union launched the first Safer Internet Day on the second Tuesday of February, and, over the years, it has grown to more than 100 countries across the globe. In 2013, ConnectSafely, where I serve as CEO, became the official U.S. coordinator, and we've been running annual Safer Internet Day events ever since. For many years, we had large in-person events at venues such as the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Universal Studios Hollywood and the Computer History Museum in Mountain View."

"This year, we're holding a smaller in-person event in Sacramento along with a national webinar and numerous events around the country run by local educators and community leaders. The local events are on track to reach more than 70,000 young people this year. The Sacramento event, hosted by ConnectSafely in collaboration with National PTA and Children Now, will bring together about 100 young people, elected officials, tech executives and other stakeholders with a focus on youth empowerment."

"Everyone is welcome to view the webinar at ConnectSafely.org starting on Feb. 10, but you don't have to join one of our events to participate in Safer Internet Day. We're encouraging everyone to have conversations about online safety that day at home, at work and at school. Conversation starters To help families start meaningful conversations about online life, ConnectSafely offers a wide range of free resources, including short, easy-to-read Quick Guides covering popular platforms and key digital issues."

Safer Internet Day began in 2003 in the European Union on the second Tuesday of February and expanded to more than 100 countries. ConnectSafely became the official U.S. coordinator in 2013 and organizes annual events including webinars, local events and in-person gatherings. Local events are expected to reach over 70,000 young people, and the Sacramento event will convene about 100 youth, elected officials, tech executives and stakeholders focused on youth empowerment. ConnectSafely offers free resources such as Quick Guides for popular platforms and topic-based guides on cyberbullying, hate speech, teen sexting, misinformation, cybersecurity and media literacy, plus videos for families about popular apps.

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