Tuesday 10 February: Take part in the Safer Internet Day Online technologies are becoming a favourite way for young people to communicate. However, they need to be aware of the potential risks they may encounter in the online environment, and know how to deal with them. INSAFE, the network of European Safer Internet Centres, has initiated the Safer Internet Day, an annual international event that will be celebrated in 2009 for the sixth time.

The flagship event of Safer Internet Day 2009 will take place in Luxembourg, and will be attended by Viviane Reding, European Commissioner for Information Society and Media. It will focus on social networking, a phenomenon which has been quickly and widely adopted by young people in recent years.

On 10 February, the main social networking sites active in Europe will sign an agreement in which industry will commit itself to maximize the benefits of the internet while managing the potential risks to children and young people.

To empower children and young people to deal with these risks, on Safer Internet Day the Commission will launch a Europe-wide communication campaign and unveil a video clip on cyber-bullying, one of the most frequent problems young people encounter on the internet.

The background:

The Safer Internet Day aims at promoting a safer use of the internet, online technologies and mobile phones, and the fight against illegal or harmful content and conduct. 60% of European parents are worried that their child might become a victim of online grooming and 54% that their children could be bullied online.

The INSAFE network has been established by the EU Safer Internet Programme to raise awareness of uses, risks and ways of dealing with risks online and address children, parents, schools, policy-makers and media. The national centres are complemented by helplines where children can receive advice on online-related experiences and troubles.

In December 2008 the EU adopted a new Safer Internet Programme for 2009-2013 which dedicates € 55 million to making the internet a safer place for children

The event:

The event on social networking will be organised in the Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday 10 February.

In parallel a series of national events will take place in the Member States and worldwide to promote safer use of the Internet.

The video clip on cyber bullying will be shown during the event in Luxembourg and will be broadcast on TV in many EU countries. The video will also be available online.