February 7, 2023 is “Safer Internet Day”: an annual and international event that celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. This day, which is part of a European initiative, aims to raise awareness of digital uses, mainly among the youngest, their families and the professionals who work with them. In France, Internet Sans Fear coordinates this Safer Internet France day for the European Commission. The E-Enfance association, which manages 3018, the national number against digital violence; as well as the Point de Contact association, which makes it possible to report illegal content online; are also mobilized.
The “Safer Internet Day” is a European-first initiative, which took place for the first time in 2004 in 14 countries. Since then, the system has evolved, with many online resources for parents and teachers; and more than 150 countries participating in the operation each year. This special day aims to provide a framework for prevention and dialogue around the potential dangers of the Internet, both in terms of behavior (cyberbullying, revenge porn, cyberattacks) and content consumed by the youngest (the relationship to false information, pornography or violent content, etc.).
Intergenerational exchange rather than admonitions
9 hours per week among 7-12 year olds, and about 18 hours per week spent on the Internet for those over 13: this was the finding of the Ipsos Junior Connect’2022 study, showing the predominance of screens and digital in the lives of the youngest. While the prevailing media discourse tends to demonize the use of digital, and all the more so among the younger generation, Safer Internet Day proposes to be in a dynamic of listening and dialogue. “Every day, we see the need to foster a climate of trust around the digital lives of young people. It is too often approached from a disturbing angle, not conducive to discussion. Safer Internet Day is an opportunity for us to give young people a voice! says Axelle Desaint, Director of Internet Without Fear and coordinator of Safer Internet Day.
The theme for the 2023 edition is “20 years… and tomorrow? and wants to invite young people to project themselves into the future. “We invite them to express themselves on their favorite activities, their fears and above all to formulate their wishes to improve their life online. It’s up to us to listen to them and show them that they can count on the adults around them and a whole ecosystem of actors to ensure their protection on the Internet” adds Axelle Desaint. Throughout the month of February, activities will be offered to reflect on preconceived ideas about digital technology and put in place the necessary measures to protect young people, even though the government wants to put in place a digital certificate to prevent minors from access porn sites by the end of the year.
Tackling digital issues from childhood
With the hashtag #20ansEtDemain, February 7 is an opportunity to launch a campaign inviting young people to express themselves on the networks and express their wishes for creating a safer Internet. The operation brings together many partners, such as the social network Discord or Meta, yet regularly accused of failing in its mission to protect minors with moderation.
The 2023 edition of “Safer Internet Day” is also included in the school program for the first time: a highlight of the pHARe program of the Ministry of National Education, where schools are encouraged to carry out prevention and awareness in the classroom, during the month of February. On the program of these interventions, the desire to address issues of balance in screen time, the “first steps on the Internet and social networks”, cyberbullying, fake news or even video games.