Safer Internet Day is celebrated every year on the second Tuesday of February to raise awareness about online safety. Since its launch in 2004, the initiative has grown into a global movement, encouraging people everywhere to work together for a better and safer internet.
The 2026 edition continues with the theme “Together for a better internet”, focusing on emerging online risks and the responsible use of artificial intelligence.
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Why this event is so important
The event highlights the importance of protecting young people online. Children and adolescents, also in the Nordics, are among the most exposed to risks such as cyberbullying, social media pressure, and digital identity challenges. Ensuring their safety means empowering them with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate the digital world responsibly. Across the globe, Safer Internet Centres are hosting events, workshops, and conferences both in schools and online to discuss key topics such as digital wellbeing, AI and deepfakes, and online grooming.
Recent UNICEF data shows that many children are still unprepared for the challenges of online life. One in five ten-year-olds cannot determine whether a website is trustworthy, and millions of young people are vulnerable to manipulation through AI-generated content, including deepfake images. These findings underscore the need for guidance and education to help children build digital literacy and resilience.
UNICEF emphasizes the importance of introducing children to AI in simple, practical ways. Parents and guardians are encouraged to discuss AI with their children using concrete examples, highlighting how it can support learning rather than serve as a shortcut or replacement for critical thinking. It is equally important to talk about safe online behavior, including what information is appropriate to share and how to recognize potentially harmful content. Engaging with schools and fostering open conversations ensures that children understand the role of technology while maintaining a balanced and healthy digital life.
Research from Google confirms that young people often use AI to learn and explore new knowledge rather than simply for entertainment. Adolescents benefit from guidance from parents and teachers to navigate AI tools effectively, develop problem-solving skills, and understand how to identify AI-generated content. Similarly, Microsoft’s annual survey highlights that while teens are increasingly aware of online risks, concerns about hate speech, scams, and manipulated media remain high. Their findings also show growing use of generative AI and emphasize the importance of teaching children how to use these tools safely.
