Celebrated in more than 180 countries worldwide, February 6 marks Safer
Internet Day.
Now celebrating 21 years, the landmark global event aims to raise awareness
of a safer and better internet for all, particularly for children and young
people.
This year's theme is 'Tech in our World', and through a series of events
taking place involving 200,000 children and young people from schools and
organisations across Ireland, will explore the role of digital technology in
young peoples lives, their views on new and emerging technology and the
changes they would like to see enacted online.
In Ireland, SID 2024 will see an event hosted in Microsoft's Dream Space,
featuring contributions from the Webwise Youth Advisory Panel; Niamh
Hodnett, Online Safety Commissioner; Kieran McCorry, National Technology
Officer, Microsoft, and Dr Emma Murphy, School of Computer Science - TU
Dublin.
The session will also include interactive stakeholders discussions that
will explore some of the opportunities and challenges as they relate to the
role of the internet and digital technology in young peoples lives.
Webwise Youth Panellist Billie Constantinou, aged 19, said:
"We live in a world where internet technology is constantly evolving, one
where we wake up with new AI capabilities, new apps and new trends every
single day. To discuss tech in our world, we must understand that the future
is uncertain and being able to adapt in tandem with this advancing online
technology is a key skill in ensuring our safety in this ever changing
world."
In the run up to SID, the ISPCC (Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty
to Children) has developed a new ad campaign alerting parents to the dangers
of online grooming.
They have released a range of helpful articles and videos on their
<https://www.ispcc.ie/ispcc-digital-ready-hub/> Digital Ready Hub, and
<https://www.ispcc.ie/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAzoeuBhDqARIsAMdH14EozroCQ1
Bl0Oc-tvYnipv9OqKXUXi2l1Zwt9VdvSmgien4sM0_cy0aAm8lEALw_wcB> Parenting Hub to
help equip parents with the tools to teach their children how to stay safe
when theyre online while also encouraging them not to fear new technology.
For more internet safety tips, visit:
www.webwise.ie <http://www.webwise.ie>
RTÉ LifeStyle.
