Safer Internet Day

10 February 2026

As the internet becomes part of almost everything we do, it brings us convenience, allows us to work remotely, and provides connection to our loved ones and our communities. On the flip side, it also brings a higher risk of harm; from scams and identity theft to harassment and exploitation. Most of us have already seen it in small, everyday moments, a message from an unknown number with a hyperlink, a fake delivery notice, a “bank” text asking you to verify your details, or a website that looks legitimate until it asks for your login or card information.

What is Safer Internet Day?

Safer Internet Day is a global day of action bringing communities, schools, organisations and families from 180 countries together to raise awareness of online safety issues and work towards a safer internet.

Safer Internet Day is a chance to pause and be honest about what is happening online, because misinformation, scams and harmful behaviour are part of everyday scrolling now. It is also a reminder that improving the online spaces we are in is not only a job for platforms, but something we can influence. When each of us does one small thing, like starting a conversation, sharing a tip or changing a habit, it adds up to a better experience for everyone.

5 tips for a safer internet

We rely on the internet for almost everything in our lives, so online safety is more important than ever. As online abuse and new risks continue to grow, it’s important to educate ourselves and others at work, at home, at school and in the community on how to be safer online.

Whether you’re an educator, professional, parent or student, everyone can follow these top 5 tips to help make the internet a safer, more positive place for all.

  • 1. Be kind

    While it might sound basic, this is the behaviour we need to counteract the negativity we can see online. Being kind online doesn’t just make individual interactions better; it contributes to a larger cultural shift that makes the internet a safer, more positive place for everyone.

  • 2. Balance time online

    Make space for offline connection, rest and reflection. Spending too much time online can affect you in real life and your relationships. Ensure to make space for offline connection, rest and reflection to fully live in the moment.

  • 3. Speak up

    Report online abuse and harmful content to eSafety. eSafety helps Australians prevent and deal with harm caused by serious online abuse or illegal and restricted content. Collect evidence and then report the harmful material to the platform, and eSafety. Depending on the situation, you can also report it to police. In the most serious cases, when the platform does not help, eSafety can intervene.

  • 4. Protect your space

    Take steps to keep your online accounts and devices secure. Use privacy settings; strong, unique passwords; turn on multi-factor authentication; keep your software up to date and consider whether parental controls are required. Be mindful of what you share and help others learn these practices too. Protecting your space reduces the risk of scams, hacks, and data breaches. When you stay secure, you help build a safer, more supportive online community.

  • 5. Start the conversation

    Talk about online safety with your networks – family, friends, colleagues, communities. It’s never too early or too late to start talking about online safety. Having these conversations raises awareness of risks and responsibilities, builds support and fosters a collective commitment to a safer, more positive online environment.

    Scamwatch has some great resources and information on their website about how to talk to your loved ones about scams.

Resources

eSafety has created several resources including Safer Internet Day specific resources such as:

How the Seniors Enquiry Line help

The Seniors Enquiry Line is a free, statewide helpline that provides information and referral support to Queensland seniors and their support networks. We take calls about everything and anything. Our role is to help people find the information they need and link them in with the appropriate supports. You can call us to learn more about online safety.

Call the Seniors Enquiry Line on 1300 135 500 between 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday (excluding Queensland and Brisbane public holidays).

Free information sessions

Seniors Enquiry Line provides free information sessions on scams awareness, social media and online safety to seniors groups, community centres and retirement communities in South-East Queensland. Click here to learn more.

Safer Internet Day

Sleep and older adults

Healthy Ageing

Seniors Month

Podcasts

Support at Home

Dementia

Translated Seniors Enquiry Line Brochure

Scams safety tip: Passwords

PreviousNext

Outside Queensland: 07 3867 2500

1300 135 500

Send us an email

PO Box 2376, Chermside Central, QLD 4032

Disclaimer: UnitingCare Seniors Enquiry Line is a not-for-profit information support service and does not share information that is gathered through paid sponsorships or affiliations. The information provided is for general informative purposes only and may not meet all of your specified needs. The enquiry line cannot provide legal or professional advice for the specifics of your matter and has no decision-making power. If you require more specific information, please directly contact relevant service providers or ask the enquiry line for the providers’ contact details if you’re unsure.

Proudly operated by

Sleep and older adults