Safer internet day belongs in every classroom for healthy online habits

Every day, your students step into a digital world that is rich, powerful, creative and sometimes unforgiving. The internet is inseparable from how young people learn, socialise and express themselves. Safer Internet Day exists precisely because this reality cannot be left to chance.

Celebrated every February in more than 180 countries, Safer Internet Day is a global awareness initiative that brings together schools, families, institutions, civil society and industry around one shared goal: making the internet a safer and better place, especially for children and young people. In 2026, the global day of focus will take place on Tuesday 10 February, with activities running throughout the entire month under the theme “Together for a better internet”.

For teachers, Safer Internet Day is not an extra item on an already crowded calendar. It is a ready-made opportunity to open meaningful conversations that students are already having, just often without adult guidance. Cyberbullying, online hate, misinformation, privacy, digital identity, scams powered by artificial intelligence: these are not abstract risks. They are part of students’ daily lives, sometimes quietly shaping their confidence, wellbeing and sense of belonging.

Importantly, this initiative is not limited to one day. While February provides a shared moment of visibility across Europe and beyond, Safer Internet Day is designed to spark year-round action. The internet is not going away, and neither are its challenges. But classrooms remain one of the strongest places to build digital resilience, empathy and critical thinking.

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