Safer Internet Day 11th February 2025 – Too Good to be True?
19 Jan 2025
Safer Internet Day 2025 will take place on the 11th of February 2025, with celebrations and learning based around the theme âToo good to be true? Protecting yourself and others from scams onlineâ
Safer Internet Day is the UKâs biggest celebration of online safety. Each year we cover an online issue or theme that speaks about the things young people are seeing and experiencing online. Created in consultation with young people across the UK, this year Safer Internet Day will be focusing on the issue of scams online and for young people, how to protect themselves and others, as well as what support is available to them.
Safer Internet Day is supported by Park Vale Academy and assemblies will assess the real scale of this issue and allow students to share their experiences and ideas on how to tackle the problem.
- How is changing technology like generative AI going to impact the approach of scammers?
- What role can the government and internet industry take to tackle this threat?
- And what changes would young people like to see to help protect themselves moving forward?
This event aims to promote the safe, responsible and positive use of digital technology for children and young people.
Tips for Parents and Carers: Keeping you and your loved ones safe online
This Safer Internet Day we are starting a conversation about how to spot, respond to and report all types of scams online. Scams can take many forms and may target anyone, including young people. Use these top tips to keep you and your loved ones safe online.
Enjoy going online together and talk regularly about your familyâs online lives
The internet is amazing and can help us all to access information and entertainment. Spend time online with your child to understand how they are using technology and talk together about the good and the bad parts of being online. Talk about your own experiences and find other opportunities to get the conversation started, like stories in the news. Make sure your child knows they can talk to you about anything that they see or experience online.
Take online security measures seriously
The internet can be a tool used by criminals to target their victims, but a few simple steps can help keep you and your accounts secure. Use strong and separate passwords for online accounts and set up two step verification (2SV) where itâs available. You may also be able to set parental controls to prevent unwanted online purchases and limit childrenâs access to harmful content.
Look out for warning signs that someone or something online cannot be trusted
âIt just seems too good to be true!â â Other common signs of a scam include contact that you werenât expecting or being asked for money or personal information (think: bank or contact details, passwords, or phone numbers). Scammers use other tactics to manipulate their victims into paying, like playing with your emotions, or building a sense of urgency so you are rushed into making a decision. If you arenât sure itâs reliable, donât risk it.
Remember that anyone can be a victim of a scam
Scammers are good at what they do and will target anyone. We all need to stay vigilant and support those who are most vulnerable including children and the elderly by helping them recognise what to look out for. If anyone in your family has been scammed, talk openly about it. There should be no shame in being victim to a scam and itâs never your fault.
Know where to get help if something goes wrong
If you or someone you know has been the victim of a scam online, youâre not on your own. Help is available and you are not to blame for what has happened. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, you can report fraud and cyber crime online to Action Fraud or by telephoning 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, report to Police Scotland by calling 101. You may also be able to report via social media, if the scam has taken place there or to another relevant organisation, like your bank, if you think your account is at risk.