Safer Internet Day 2025
11 February 2025
Safer internet day is here! Citizens Advice has a number of tips to help you stay safe online.
What is Safer Internet Day?
This is an annual day dedicated to encouraging safer usage of the internet. Safer Internet Day is an international event celebrated by over 180 countries and territories that aims to make the internet better, particularly for young people.
How to stay safe online.
There are many threats online from scams and viruses, to data leaks and cyberbullying. With all these threats and emerging ones such as from recent AI advances, it may seem harder than ever to stay safe. However, there are some basic tips you can be aware of:
- Use a password manager to create secure passwords.
- Be wary of links within emails and pop ups that sound scary. Scammers will often try to panic you so you act quickly and don’t spot the scam.
- Do not click on links from emails you are unsure about.
- On the flip side, if it sounds too good to be true it probably is. A “free new iPhone which you have 5 minutes to claim” is designed to build urgency so you click the malicious “Claim Now” button.
- When online shopping only use reputable retailers and payment methods, young adults aged 18 - 24 were most targeted by scams last year.
- Place parental restrictions on children's devices and monitor the apps and websites they are using. This will help prevent their exposure to harmful content.
Why should I use a password manager?
A password manager such as the “Passwords” app on iPhone and those built into your browser allow your device to generate complex passwords for you. You only have to remember one secure password and the rest are stored in the manager.
As you no longer need to remember many of your passwords, the password manager can autofill which is convenient. If you are taken to a false version of a website, the password manager will not autofill and this may help you notice and prevent your details from being stolen.
Me or my child is being cyber bullied what can I do?
Cyber bullying and harassment is not limited to children and can affect anyone online. Remember to:
- Block and report accounts and messages that cause distress.
- Inform your child to be wary and avoid contact with strangers online.
- Report other pupils to the child’s school and seek their advice for how to manage the situation.
- Speak to and reassure your child, you may wish to get them mental health support if the bullying has affected their mental health.
- If you are being threatened please contact the police and if there is an imminent threat call 999.
Please spread awareness.
These are just few of the potential threats and options to help keep safe online. For more information please visit https://saferinternet.org.uk/safer-internet-day/safer-internet day-2025 for further information. Citizens Advice value the work of the UK Safer Internet Centre and you can register as a supporter on their site.
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