#SafeOnline

“We are all now connected by the Internet, like neurons in a giant brain.”

– Stephen Hawking

“We are all now connected by the Internet, like neurons in a giant brain.”

– Stephen Hawking

A Safer Internet

The internet has revolutionised the way we live our lives. A better digital world is one that enables children and young people to safely enjoy the many opportunities of the internet – for learning and research, to explore their identities, for keeping in touch with family, and growing existing and new friendships, to share their thoughts, to produce videos, music, art, to develop apps; as well as for entertainment.

The Problem

While the internet on the whole is a really positive place, there are still children and youth who have suffered bad online experiences: being shamed and bullied with mean comments, being stalked, abused and sexually exploited. Other risks include breach of privacy, wrongful use of copyright materials, self-exposure, gambling, scams, and exposure to harmful content. These experiences can have bad consequences.

Voices of Youth, first launched in 1995, was UNICEF’s very first website. In 2022, there are more than five billion internet users worldwide.

CHANGE STARTS WITH YOUTH

The digital world is instant and it’s everywhere, 24/7. And that’s why it’s important to be cyber smart. You can help create a better online world for all by adopting positive online behaviours and eliminating the negative ones. Be respectful to others online. Protect your online reputation. Take a stand against cyberbullying! Use the Internet and digital tools for social good to create a better world for all!