Ensuring online security is vital in an era where technology shapes our daily lives. From businesses to individuals—especially younger generations—everyone is navigating the online space. Blacknight, are really passionate by creating a safer, more secure internet for all. That’s why we proudly support Safer Internet Day (SID), an annual global initiative promoting online safety and awareness.
What is Safer Internet Day?
Safer Internet Day is an EU-wide initiative designed to encourage safer and more responsible use of online technology. It’s promoted and coordinated by Webwise, the Irish Internet Safety Education Awareness Programme, focusing on:
- Raising awareness about online safety, cyberbullying, privacy, and digital literacy.
- Educating young people, parents, educators, and businesses on navigating the internet responsibly.
- Encouraging collaboration between schools, communities, companies, and organisations to foster a safer online environment.
Theme for 2025: Prepare / Protect / Thrive: Navigating Algorithms and Influencers
This year’s theme highlights the impact of social media, AI, and digital trends on young people’s online experiences. It emphasises critical thinking and digital resilience, helping children and teens navigate online influences safely and confidently.
Seeing that last year, over 200,000 people in Ireland participated in this initiative, contributing to a more informed and secure online community, certainly we can build on that success in 2025!
Safer Internet Day 2025 Event
This year’s event takes place on Tuesday, February 11th, at Microsoft Dream Space. The event will bring together key stakeholders to discuss the opportunities and challenges children and young people face online.
Hosted by Gavin Reilly (Virgin Media), the event will feature keynote speakers, including Professor Debbie Ging (DCU), 5Rights Foundation, and representatives from the European Centre for Algorithmic Transparency. Additional insights will be shared by Niamh Hodnett (Online Safety Commissioner), Webwise Youth Advisory Panel, CCPC, Hotline.ie, ISPCC, Media Literacy Ireland, Microsoft, National Parents Council, and more.
Free Webinar: Prepare / Protect / Thrive – Helping your child develop healthy digital habits.
This webinar series empowers parents to support their child’s online experience. Each session dives into key aspects of the digital world, from safe communication and healthy online play to identifying misinformation and understanding how algorithms and privacy affect daily digital life. Through practical guidance, parents will learn how to foster respectful, responsible, and positive digital habits in their children, ensuring a balanced approach to online safety and digital well-being. Expert guests for the series include Dr. Colman Noctor, Mark Little, and National Parents Council. Register for the webinars at: https://www.webwise.ie/news/parent-webinars/
3 Simple Steps to take part in SID2025 :
1. Register your Safer Internet Day activities and order free wristbands for participants
2. Use the free Webwise resources
3. Visit the Safer Internet Day Hub for ideas and activities with Helpful Resources for Parents & Schools
Resources for Parents and Teachers include:
Parents:
- A Parent’s Guide to a Better Internet – A booklet that helps parents support their children in having a positive online experience. It offers advice, conversation starters, and insights on key topics like cyberbullying, screen time, sexting, social media, and online safety.
- Parent Toolkit – Expert guidance, resources, and step-by-step instructions on adjusting platform settings to create a safer online environment.
- #TalkListenLearn Topic Generator – Encourages parents to have open discussions with their children about online benefits and risks. On that by talking, listening, and learning, parents can foster a safe space where children feel comfortable seeking help if issues arise.
- Platform Guides – Keeps parents informed about trending apps and social media platforms, helping them understand how these networks work and how to keep their children safe.
- Educational resources – With a variety of amazing resources online for all ages and needs you can be sure to find something of great help.
Teachers:
- Educational videos – Free resources particularly covering internet safety topics for both primary and post-primary levels..
- Educational resources – Curriculum-aligned materials that explore cyberbullying, sexting, digital media literacy, safe online communication, and more.
- Teacher guidance and support – Free primary and secondary school teaching resources including: cyberbullying, image-sharing, social media and more..
Webwise Safer Internet Day Ambassador Programme
Empowering young people is at the heart of the Safer Internet Day Ambassador Programme. This peer-to-peer training initiative gives students the opportunity to lead online safety campaigns within their schools and communities. Students can either sign up themselves or be nominated by teachers. It equips participants with the knowledge and confidence to drive meaningful discussions on internet safety. Supported by the Webwise Youth Advisory Panel, students gain insights into trending apps, online wellbeing, and key safety topics through video campaigns and peer advice.
Learn more about the Webwise Safer Internet Day Ambassador Programme here.
Get Involved
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, student, or business, there are plenty of ways to participate:
- Join events and discussions on online safety.
- Access free educational resources from Webwise.ie.
- Spread awareness on social media using #SaferInternetDay and #SID2025.
By working together, we can create a safer and more positive online experience for everyone. Visit Safer Internet Day’s official website to learn more!
About the Author: Alicia Stumke
