Safer Internet Day, celebrated annually on the second Tuesday of February, is a global call to create a safer, more respectful, and more inclusive digital world—especially for children and young people. This year’s theme is “Smart tech, safe choices – Exploring the safe and responsible use of AI.”
Artificial intelligence (AI) now plays a central role in how we communicate, learn, and access information online. From personalised content and chatbots to image and video generation, smart technologies offer powerful benefits. However, when misused, they can also cause serious harm. One growing concern is deepfake abuse, where AI is used to create highly realistic but false images, videos, or audio of individuals without their consent. These tools can be used to spread misinformation, damage reputations, and inflict emotional distress.
Beyond AI-related risks, many users continue to face cyberbullying, online harassment, privacy violations, and exploitation. These experiences can have lasting effects on mental and emotional wellbeing, contributing to anxiety, fear, trauma, and withdrawal from online spaces. For children and young people, whose identities and confidence are still developing, unsafe digital spaces can be especially damaging. Digital environments should support learning, connection, and self-expression—not undermine emotional safety or dignity. Making safe choices online is not only an individual responsibility; it also depends on systems, policies, and platforms that prioritise human wellbeing.
Equipping young people, parents, caregivers, and educators with digital literacy skills helps them understand emerging technologies like AI and navigate online risks with confidence. Open conversations about digital experiences foster awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage early intervention when harm occurs. Policymakers, technology companies, communities, and civil society must work together to ensure that smart technologies are developed and used ethically, with strong safeguards that protect the most vulnerable.
Let us remain committed to promoting responsible technology use, protecting mental wellbeing, and ensuring that digital spaces empower—rather than endanger—children and young people.