Safer Internet Day (SID) is a global initiative dedicated to promoting a safer and more positive online environment for children and young people. First marked in 2004, Safer Internet Day has grown into a worldwide movement, bringing together stakeholders from more than 180 countries to address online risks and strengthen digital safety.
To mark the 20th anniversary of Safer Internet Day, INHOPE launched a year-long monthly mini-series under the theme Together for a Better Internet. The campaign extended the Safer Internet Day conversation beyond a single moment, highlighting key online safety challenges throughout the year and showcasing solutions that require shared responsibility. Each article focused on a specific aspect of children’s online safety, offering insights and practical approaches to protecting young users online.
The mini-series opened with a focus on the rise of Non-Consensual Intimate Image (NCII) abuse. The article examined the causes, risks and consequences of this form of online harm, highlighting its serious and often long-lasting impact on victims. It emphasised the importance of prevention, education and awareness, particularly for young people, around consent and the risks associated with sharing intimate content online.
Abuse affects children of all genders, and protecting girls online must be part of broader efforts to keep all children safe. Drawing on data from INHOPE member hotlines, this article examined trends in reported child sexual abuse material from publicly accessible online spaces, where over 90 percent of assessed reports depict children identified as female, most often between the ages of 3 and 13. It also highlighted the limits of this data, recognising that abuse affecting boys is often underreported, particularly in private or encrypted spaces. The article explored how sexualisation and harmful gender norms increase risks for girls while also preventing boys from being identified and supported, underlining the importance of challenging stereotypes, promoting consent and strengthening digital education for all children.
Child sexual abuse and exploitation take many forms and require a comprehensive and coordinated response. Published during National Child Abuse Prevention Month, this article examined prevention across the CSAM chain, including societal-level interventions, education, and the use of online safety tools. The focus was on addressing root causes and strengthening prevention, rather than responding only after harm has occurred.
Helplines play a critical role in supporting children, young people and caregivers who experience online harm. Marking International Child Helpline Day, this article highlighted the importance of accessible and well-promoted national helplines, as well as the need to ensure children know where to seek help when they need it. Awareness and trust in helpline services can be lifesaving in moments of crisis.
The mini-series also addressed child labour and commercial sexual exploitation in the digital environment. This article highlighted the importance of vigilance, reporting and cross-sector cooperation, alongside preventative measures such as education, staff training and community-based care. Preventing exploitation requires coordinated action from online platforms, professionals and communities
As digital technologies continue to shape children’s daily lives, digital literacy is an essential protective factor. This article focused on the shared responsibility of parents, educators, organisations and online platforms in equipping young people with the skills and confidence to navigate online spaces safely. Empowering children with knowledge supports both prevention and resilience.
In some contexts, children face additional vulnerabilities that extend beyond the online environment. One article examined the risks associated with orphanage tourism, highlighting how volunteer visits can expose children to exploitation and abuse. The article emphasised the importance of awareness-raising, stronger regulation and reporting suspected harm to protect children both online and offline.
With National Gaming Day as a reference point, this article explored risks associated with online gaming, including bullying, harassment and grooming. It highlighted the role of parents, game developers and platforms, as well as collaboration with law enforcement, in creating safer gaming environments that prioritise children’s wellbeing.
Published to mark the International Day of the Girl Child, this article reinforced the importance of supporting girls online. It addressed challenges such as gender-based discrimination, cyberbullying, online harassment and CSAM, and highlighted the need for collective action to strengthen girls’ digital literacy, confidence and resilience. Empowerment remains a key component of online safety.
The final article in the series focused on the role of online platforms in preventing the distribution of CSAM. It highlighted the importance of effective reporting mechanisms, victim-centred responses and proactive safety tools to prevent re-victimisation and support survivors. Embedding child safety into platform design and policies is essential for a safer digital future.
The Safer Internet Day mini-series demonstrates that creating a safer online environment cannot be achieved by one organisation or sector alone. As the internet remains a central part of everyday life, protecting children online is a shared responsibility.
Safer Internet Day continues to matter because lasting change is built through consistent action, collaboration and awareness. Small, everyday efforts, from education and reporting to policy and platform design, collectively contribute to a safer internet for all. As the conversation continues towards future iterations of Safer Internet Day, staying informed and engaged remains essential. Learn more about how to get involved via the Safer Internet Day website.
Safer Internet Day would not be possible without the support of the European Union. Currently, the funding is provided by the Connecting Europe Facility programme (CEF). In the future, actions will be funded through the Digital Europe Programme (DIGITAL). Find out more about the European Commission’s new European strategy for a better internet for kids (BIK+) on the EC website.
