Safer internet for children, better world for everyone

The internet has become an integral part of our world, woven into the very fabric of life. It brought with it endless opportunities for learning, communication, and entertainment.

However, as the digital space expands, so do its risks. From cyberbullying and misinformation to data breaches and scams, the internet can indeed have adverse impacts on everyone. With the idea of keeping digital spaces secure, especially for children, we celebrate Safer Internet Day 2025 while promoting the concept "Together for a Better Internet.". 

While billions of people all around the world use the internet, the youth make up a significant part of it. The internet can offer young people opportunities for creative expression and building connections. On the other hand, it exposes them to several risks as well. A study by CCAF revealed that social media hacking tops the list of cybercrimes in Bangladesh, resulting in social, financial, and emotional stress. Unfortunately, 78.78% of those victims are young adults. 

Another study revealed that 59% of internet-using children have suffered cyberbullying in different forms. Hence, it's imperative to make the internet safer for children, and not just by providing protection but also by creating digital literacy and inspiring critical thinking and responsible engagement.

Safe online behaviour helps develop the foundation for a safe digital environment. Children must be taught to protect themselves against scams and cyberbullying by never sharing personal information freely, as this opens avenues for fraud and identity theft. They should also avoid interacting with strangers online and clicking on suspicious links, especially those promising in-game trades or giveaways. Strong passwords and privacy settings add another layer of security by preventing unauthorised access to personal accounts. 

The internet safety issue is one of shared responsibility. Reporting illegal and harmful content helps to remain secure and will develop a better digital culture of refuting explicit content and misinformation. Parents, teachers, and guardians must openly discuss online safety with children, encouraging critical thinking and responsible browsing habits. Additionally, by teaching children to recognise and report cyberbullying in all its forms, we can show them how to stand up to online harassment.

By embracing digital responsibility ourselves and encouraging others to do so, we can help create a safer internet for future generations. Safer Internet Day is not just an event but a call to action. We can make the digital space empowering, inclusive, and secure with awareness, education, and cooperation.

Narayani Ambikanandhan, Head of Primary School, Glenrich International School, Satarkul. Email - [email protected] 

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.