Anne Longfield, the Children’s Commissioner for England, said:
“As the digital world continues to evolve, its growth must be driven by the needs and interests of its users. Children are some of the greatest consumers of the internet and digital technology, but their interests have rarely been considered in its evolution. I launched a digital taskforce last year to reverse this and make digital communication truly child-friendly.
“It is vital that children can benefit from the incredible opportunities provided by digital communication whilst being protected from potential harm, such as exposure to inappropriate content; online bullying and grooming.
“Safer Internet Day has a great track record in shining a light on the risks children face online and helping them to better understand their relationship with digital media.”
About Safer Internet Day
Safer Internet Day 2016 will be celebrated globally on Tuesday 9th February with the slogan ‘Play your part for a better internet’. The day offers everyone the chance to highlight positive uses of technology, and to explore the role we all play in helping to create a better, safer online community. The day helps people, parents, carers, teachers, social workers, law enforcement, companies, policymakers, and wider, join together in help to create a better internet.
Coordinated in the UK by the UK Safer Internet Centre, the celebration sees hundreds of organisations get involved to help promote the safe, responsible and positive use of digital technology for children and young people.
The event is celebrated in over a hundred countries, coordinated by the joint Insafe/INHOPE network, with the support of the European Commission, and national Safer Internet Centres across Europe.
Find out more about what is happening in the UK on Safer Internet Day at www.saferinternet.org.uk/safer-internet-day
