Celebrating Safer Internet Day 2026: together for a better internet
Safer Internet Day (SID) is a global campaign celebrated each year to promote safer and positive use of the internet, especially for young people. SID brings together schools, families, organisations, and communities to raise awareness of topics such as cyberbullying, digital well-being, online safety, and digital identity. Events range from school workshops, webinars, and youth activities to awareness campaigns, resource launches, and social media actions that encourage positive online behaviour.
Why do we need a Safer Internet Day?
The internet is no longer a luxury or a novelty – it is a lifeline, and an infrastructure – and if we look at how young people are using the internet, we start to see why. In 2024 in the EU, the share of young people using the internet daily ranged between 93% and 100%. Youngsters are way more active on social media, compared to the EU average too. But the same networks that power innovation and growth also amplify risks related to cyberbullying and online violence.
According to OECD data, 1 in 6 children (across many countries) report experiences of cyberbullying. Beyond bullying, a large share of minors are exposed to harmful material: some research indicates that over 82% of minors have encountered pornographic content online at some point in their lives.
Against this backdrop, Safer Internet Day lands with particular urgency. What started as a European awareness initiative has become a worldwide mobilisation moment – and one that you can join, too.
The Internet wasn’t build in a day: the story Safer Internet Day
Launched in 2004 through the EU SafeBorders project and coordinated by Insafe in partnership with INHOPE, with the support of the European Commission, Safer Internet Day has grown into a global movement reaching more than 180 countries.
Each year, the initiative seeks to increase awareness of evolving digital challenges and contemporary concerns, ranging from cyberbullying and social networking to digital identity issues.
Resources to celebrate Safer Internet Day and make the internet a better place
Better Internet for Kids (BIK) - the European Commission’s central hub for Safer Internet resources, hosting toolkits, research reports, awareness materials, campaign packs and educational content in multiple languages.
The Better Internet for Kids dedicated learning corners provides a range of resources for parents, teachers and young people - all at your fingertips.
Safer Internet Day 2026 campaign - get to know this year's edition of the annual campaign, participating countries, downloadable visual materials and event coordination tools.
In 2026, we are together for a better internet
Under this year's theme Together for a better internet, Safer Internet Day emphasises the collective responsibility of all stakeholders, including citizens, to create a safer digital environment for everyone, particularly children and young people. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into educational tools, social platforms, and online experiences, it is essential that young people understand both the opportunities and potential risks of these technologies, enabling them to make informed decisions that protect their privacy, wellbeing, and digital rights in an AI-driven world.
