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| Source: Digital for Life website. Digital for Life, a Singapore movement for digital inclusion, lists different safer Internet pledges (SIPs) people can take. |
February 11 is Safer Internet Day, when participants raise awareness about online safety issues and work towards a safer Internet.
"Every year, this event reminds us of the importance of fostering a safer, more responsible digital environment for kids and young people alike," said Alina BÎZGĂ from Bitdefender in a blog post.
"In 2025, we’re focusing on understanding the threats children and teenagers face online to better equip them with the knowledge and tools needed to stay safe."
Scams and social engineering, misinformation, extortion, loss of control over shared content, grooming and cyberbullying are some dangers that youth can encounter online, BÎZGĂ noted. The company has solutions and safety guidelines in the post.
Singapore's Digital for Life movement called for Safer Internet month, which will run through to mid-March. This year, the theme Empowering a Safe and Resilient Online Community, developed by the Media Literacy Council, will focus on equipping Singaporeans with essential skills to navigate the digital world safely and confidently.
The movement calls on people to take a safer Internet pledge "to show our commitment to building positive habits online and making the Internet a safer space for everyone".
In Australia, Julie Inman Grant, the eSafety Commissioner revealed new research findings in a blog post about what is influencing boys and young men online. She said role models are lacking online, with "plenty of darker influences (or influencers) waiting to fill the void, often propelled along by invisible and opaque online systems".
"While there’s no panacea to unpicking harmful norms and attitudes, part of the solution lies in giving young men and boys alternative, compelling examples to follow. Specifically, positive role models who exemplify how to live, connect, and push boundaries in ways that extend beyond the outdated and narrow ideals of ‘manhood’," she elaborated.
"But this is where we, as a society, are failing them – most especially in the online world."
Grant said the way forward would include multiple initiatives, including:
- Supporting initiatives that provide positive and respectful online spaces and role models
- Working with educators, parents and young men to distribute co-designed, strengths-based online safety advice
- Partnering with global regulators and the tech sector to reduce the spread of harmful content, especially content promoted by recommender systems
- Expanding existing training on the role of algorithms, recommender systems and AI companions.
"The challenges posed by generative AI in cyber scams are complex and rapidly evolving. However, through the combined efforts of governments, the tech industry, educators, and young digital citizens, we can build a safer and more resilient online environment. Regulatory measures and innovative security solutions must go hand in hand with comprehensive digital literacy programmes that empower young people to navigate the digital world confidently," said Abhishek Kumar Singh, Head of Security Engineering, Singapore, Check Point Software Technologies.
"As we celebrate Safer Internet Day, let us commit to fostering a cyber-aware community where robust privacy practices, ethical technology use, and informed vigilance are the norms. Only by working together can we create a digital future that isn’t a playground for fraudsters, but a safe, inclusive space where creativity and innovation can thrive without fear."
According to Singh, it is not enough to warn youth about the risks of cyber scams. In addition to practising cyber hygiene, he said they should be empowered with the tools and knowledge to fight back. Initiatives could include:
- Enhanced cyber hygiene education
"Schools can incorporate interactive lessons on recognising phishing attempts, understanding the dangers of oversharing online, and practising safe password management. When students learn these skills from an early age, they’re better equipped to navigate the digital world safely," he explained.
- Stronger parental controls and user-friendly tools
"Parents can benefit from accessible, non-intrusive tools to monitor children’s online activities without compromising their privacy. This is particularly important for those in the vulnerable age group under 16, who may not yet have the critical thinking skills required to differentiate between genuine content and sophisticated scams," he said.
- Transparent data practices
"Tech companies must be transparent about how personal data is collected, stored, and used, reassuring users that their information is secure," Singh elaborated.
- Responsive support systems
Singh said that easily-accessible resources and responsive support channels that help victims of cyber scams recover and learn from their experiences are also required.
Keeper Security’s report, Cybersecurity in Schools: Safeguarding Students in the Digital Era, has found that 74% of parents express confidence in their child's school's cybersecurity measures, but 21% report receiving any guidance on secure password management. Nine percent of schools offer access to password managers, leaving students and staff vulnerable to cyberthreats, the company said, while 14% of schools mandate security awareness training, a further 13% only offer it as an option.
"Cybersecurity isn’t just a technical issue – it’s a fundamental part of ensuring student safety and the protection of their sensitive personal information,” said Darren Guccione, CEO and Co-founder of Keeper Security.
“Educational institutions must prioritise cybersecurity to create safe digital environments where students can thrive without fear of interruptions to their learning or breaches that can impact their lives for years to come.”
Keeper and its partners are addressing this threat through its Flex Your Cyber initiative, a public service programme designed to provide school administrators with essential cybersecurity knowledge and critical resources, along with age-appropriate content for families, educators and students.
"Safer Internet Day is about promoting the responsible use of today’s technologies," said Guccione. "Flex Your Cyber provides the tools and strategies the education sector needs to help protect their communities and maintain trust in their digital systems."
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