Safer Internet Day celebrated across Europe and beyond

Safer Internet Day is celebrated in 30 countries across Europe and beyond on 8 February 2005.

Safer Internet Day represents an effort by a global community of awareness-raising partners to promote a safer Internet for all of its users, especially young people. The days’ events are conducted under the patronage of European Commissioner Viviane Reding. More than 31 countries took part in this year’s campaign.

Key Safer Internet Day Events

Insafe, the European network of national Internet safety awareness nodes, officially launches its new Portal on Safer Internet Day. This portal will develop into a reference point for Internet safety, bringing together news and resources from national partners across Europe.

In addition, a newsletter is being launched, to bring the latest information on current and emerging technologies to the general and specialist public. It will highlight pertinent issues and events in the field of Internet safety awareness.

Two Bulgarian organisations: the Ministry of Transport and Communications and ARC Fund, have willingly joined the international celebration of the Safer Internet Day in order to manifest the national commitment in combating the illegal and harmful content in the Global Net primarily in the area of the protection of children.

Story-telling Contest

The highlight of Safer Internet Day activities is the launch of the storytelling competition under the patronage of Commissioner Reding. Children from 9 to 15 are invited to write digital stories on the theme of safer Internet. National winners from the 17 participating countries will take part in a European Grand Final. The very best story will be published in a colourful children’s book to be distributed worldwide.

To see the full list of events organised by Insafe members and worldwide partners from as far afield as Russia, Singapore and Australia see http://www.saferinternet.org.

Contact: Janice Richardson

About Insafe: the Insafe network coordinates Internet safety awareness throughout Europe in partnership with national Safer Internet awareness nodes. It raises the impact of Internet safety actions by facilitating the exchange of information and resources between national awareness nodes. Insafe is operated by European Schoolnet and is co-funded by the European Commission’s Safer Internet Programme.

Message from Commissioner Reding
“As European Commissioner for Information Society and Media, the safety of children using all media is a major concern for me. I am very glad that a new Safer Internet Day is being organised in 2005, following the successful first event in 2004. I hope that it becomes an annual event. I am delighted to be the patron of the competition for school children which is being launched today as part of the activities in Europe and beyond.

The European Commission will continue to encourage raising awareness of safer use of the Internet, thanks to the new Safer Internet plus programme 2005-2008, part of a coherent and consistent policy on children and media agreed with the full backing of the European Parliament and the Council.”