"All fun and games? Exploring respect and relationships online” is the theme for this year’s Safer Internet Day, which takes place on February 8.

The event is celebrated globally and aims to promote the safe and positive use of digital technology for children and to encourage conversation about online safety.

Coordinated in the UK by the UK Safer Internet Centre (UKSIC), the day this year will focus on how young people are shaping the interactive entertainment spaces they use, from gaming and chat to streaming and video.

There are a range of films and resources available for schools to use to help teacher young people about staying safe online as well as their role in creating a safer internet, whether that is while gaming and creating content, or interacting with their friends and peers.

Schools and other organisations can also support Safer Internet Day 2022 by registering as official Safer Internet Day supporters to showcase their involvement and by downloading a Social Media Pack to help spread the word.

Last year’s Safer Internet Day saw more than 2.4 million views of the Safer Internet Day films and 1.5 million downloads of the free educational resources, while 112,000 young people tested their online safety knowledge with the Safer Internet Day online quiz.

The UKSIC is a partnership of the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), Childnet, and the South West Grid for Learning (SWGfL). It works to promote the safe and responsible use of technology for children and young people, offering education, training and awareness for children, parents, and schools.

Will Gardner, director of the UK Safer Internet Centre, said: “Safer Internet Day is enormous. It provides an incredible opportunity for all of us to get involved and start those conversations that are so important to supporting young people online.”