5 Tips for Internet Safety for parents - Celebrating Safer Internet Day

Safer Internet Day (SID) is an annual event recognized around the world which began in 2004 as an initiative of the EU SafeBorders project and was later adopted by the Insafe network. What started as a European event has grown into a global movement, recognized in over 170 countries. Its mission is to promote a safer and more responsible use of digital technology, especially among children and young people. Every year, SID highlights pressing online safety issues and provides guidance on digital literacy and cyber awareness.

As technology continues to shape how we learn, communicate, and innovate, it’s crucial to ensure that young people grow up with both digital skills and digital responsibility.

Below, we’ll share practical tips to help families and educators make the internet a safer space. We’ll then look at how Logiscool supports these efforts through interactive courses and real-life learning experiences. Finally, we’ll explore what the future holds for digital safety and how we can continue moving forward responsibly.

According to a report from the Pew Research Center, 59% of teenagers say they have shared personal information online without realizing the risks (Pew Research Center). It’s essential to remind children that once information is shared online, it can be difficult to remove. Encourage them to limit personal details, such as full names, addresses, and phone numbers to trusted platforms and contacts.

Weak passwords are a major security risk, with 81% of data breaches being linked to poor password management. (Arizona State University) Using unique, complex passwords for every account is a critical step in online security.

How to Remember Secure Passwords:

• Use a password manager to store passwords safely.

• Create passphrases instead of simple passwords (e.g., "BlueSky!Jump35Horse").

• Write down passwords in a secure, offline location if necessary, but avoid storing them in an unsecured digital format (like a notes app).

Open communication is key to keeping children safe online. A study conducted by the Crimes Against Children Research Center at the University of New Hampshire, funded by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, found that only about 25% of kids would tell their parents if they encountered an uncomfortable situation online (Crimes Against Children Research Center). To encourage discussion: 

• Start with broad, neutral questions like: "What do you enjoy doing online?" or "Have you ever seen something that made you uncomfortable?"

• Set the tone for non-judgmental conversation by listening actively and avoiding punishment for past mistakes.

• Address specific topics over time, such as cyberbullying, scams, and inappropriate content.

Fake news spreads six times faster than real news on social media. Teaching kids to fact-check information using trusted sources—like government websites, reputable news organizations, and academic institutions—helps them develop critical thinking skills. Encourage them to:

• Compare information across multiple sources.

• Look for fact-checking labels and citations.

• Ask teachers or parents if they are uncertain about the accuracy of online content.

Cyberbullying affects a staggering 37% of young people worldwide (Webpurify). Reminding children that there are real people behind every username fosters empathy and positive digital interactions. Key practices include:

• Thinking before posting—would they say this comment in person?

• Asking permission before sharing photos or information about others.

• Reporting inappropriate or harmful behavior on social platforms.

At Logiscool, we believe digital literacy and coding should go hand in hand with responsible online behavior. Our programs are also designed to teach:

• Risk Awareness: Recognizing threats like fake news, hoaxes, phishing or scams.

• Responsible Sharing: Knowing what information is safe to share and what’s not.

• Cyberbullying Prevention: Understanding the impact of negative online behaviors and promoting positive interactions.

• Critical Thinking: Developing the ability to question and cross-check online content.

Our interactive lessons, real-world examples, and practical exercises ensure that children learn how to navigate the digital world with confidence and mindfulness.

Safer Internet Day is more than just a single date on the calendar; it’s a reminder of our ongoing responsibility. As technology evolves, so do its risks and rewards. By staying vigilant, keeping up with the latest safety tools, discussing online habits, and nurturing empathy, we can help the next generation explore the digital world securely and respectfully.

At Logiscool, we’re proud to be part of that mission, working tirelessly to combine tech-savvy skills with strong ethical and safety foundations. Together, we can create a bright digital future that empowers young people to innovate, collaborate, and thrive safely.

Join us in celebrating Safer Internet Day by embracing safe online practices, sharing helpful resources with your community, and supporting young learners in becoming the responsible digital citizens our future needs.

For more resources and information about Safer Internet Day, check out the following:

• Safer Internet Day Official Website

• UK Safer Internet Centre – Safer Internet Day 2025

• Tips for Parents on Internet Safety from Internet Matters

• European Safer Internet Day Resources

Let’s build a safer online world together!