Safer Internet Day – “Play your part for better Internet”

Safer Internet Day is a global campaign to promote more responsible and safer use of online technology and mobile phones specifically among young people. Over one hundred countries take part worldwide; however this is the second year Sri Lanka has participated in the campaign. 

On the 9th February a conference was held at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall to celebrate Safe Internet Day in Sri Lanka. ICDL Sri Lanka co-ordinated the event in partnership with Dialog Axiata and UNICEF Sri Lanka, with the important support of Microsoft, National Child Protection Authority, Sri Lanka CERT/CC, FITIS and Computer Society of Sri Lanka.

This conference provided a platform to discuss issues and create awareness surrounding the risks and dangers of the internet, as well as applauding the steps that have already been taken in Sri Lanka. Mrs Chitranganie Mubarak, Chairperson of the ICT Agency in Sri Lanka graced the event as Chief Guest. 

The unprecedented growth of the internet and indeed smart phones has brought about both positive and negative advancements. On the one hand the internet empowers young people and allows creativity, but it is not without threats. It is clear the internet is the future, therefore the aim of the conference was to address these negatives and educate people on how to utilise the internet sensibly.

 The key message discussed by all the speakers was finding a way to strike a balance between the benefits and risks of the internet in order to become better digital citizens. The theme this year was “Play your part for a better internet” and there were several informative presentations throughout the course of the morning to educate participants on methods to safeguard children from illegal content and harmful conduct online.

The conference was aimed at not only the school children but also parents, teachers and adults who all have a role to play in helping to create a better and safer internet.  Emphasis was placed on the importance of communication between adults and children.The conference showcases important national and international initiatives such UNICEF’s online campaign which was launched today to encourage safe and optimal use of the internet.

 There was also an awards ceremony of the IT Security Digital Poster Competition which served as an opportunity for children aged 13 – 18 to design digital posters that highlight and explain information security problems and solutions.

For more details log on to facebook.com/UNICEFSriLanka