Safer Internet Day 2022

Tuesday 8 February 2022 is Safer Internet Day, a worldwide event celebrated in 170 countries that raises awareness about internet safety. It encourages families, schools, organisations, and governments to come together to promote a safer, more positive online experience.

This year’s global theme is “Together for a better internet”, with Australia’s eSafety Commissioner’s emphasis being on #PlayitFairOnline. Some of the ways that we can #PlayitFairOnline are:

• Be respectful – be considerate of others when you are online
• Be kind – while online be a positive role model
• Be resilient – don’t let a bad experience online put you off
• Be prepared to ask for help – reach out to friends, family, or authorities if something goes wrong online
• Be safe – try to avoid situations that pose risks to yourself or others online
• Be responsible – think about how your actions online might affect others
• Be an upstander – help others by showing support and speaking up – if safe to do so

Linking in with Safer Internet Day is the promotion of Australia’s new Online Safety Act 2021, which started on 23 January 2022. This means there are new laws to protect all Australians, young and old, from serious online abuse, including image-based abuse, child cyberbullying and seriously harmful or dangerous online content. The Online Safety Act 2021 expands Australia’s protections against online harm, making our existing laws much more expansive and stronger.

So, take the time to watch the videos and explore the resources for schools and workplaces on the Safer Internet Day webpage. Visit the eSafety Commissioner's website to discover more useful tips and guides relating to internet safety. Learn about the role that parents and educators can play in preparing young people and children for the dangers of the digital age. This includes how to deal with cyberbullying, sensitive content, and balancing screen time. There are also tips available for seniors and adults, especially women, on handling online safety, banking and social media.

A great resource that can help you stay safe online is LinkedIn Learning, available at State Library of Queensland. This is an online video training platform that includes courses on everything from how to get started on social media to cybersecurity. With something to suit everyone from beginners to professionals, these courses are all free to State Library members. If you’re not already a member, you can join online – it’s free!

It can be difficult to work out what information on the internet is reliable, trustworthy, and safe. This is where libraries can really help! State Library staff are passionate about helping people to connect with information and make the most of online opportunities in a safe physical and digital environment. State Library provides free access to our valuable resources, both online and at the library. Whether through our Ask Us service or visiting the library, our friendly staff love helping you find dependable information.

#PlayitFairOnline #SID2022