We have a duty as good internet citizens to foster "the positive" online experience and eliminate "the negative"

Today is Safer Internet Day (SID). And not just here in Australia, but around the world. Safer Internet Day has been celebrated since 2005 to raise awareness of online safety, and to promote the safe and responsible use of the internet.

The theme of this year's Safer Internet Day is "Be the change: Unite for a better internet". But what does this mean for us? How can we, as TAFE students and educators unite for a better internet? This could mean different things to different people, but with respect to Safer Internet Day, it means we have a duty as good internet citizens to foster "the positive" online experience and eliminate "the negative".

Some ways we can do this include:

You could also try to become a good digital citizen. Get informed about legislation and internet governance and participate in the debate. That doesn't necessarily mean get political, just get informed! And think about the wider context - the NBN is often a hot political button in Australia, but what about copyright issues? What about cyber bullying? What about your digital rights? Get informed on these issues so we can have these mature political discussions as a nation.

Safer Internet Day is about creating positive content online, fostering positive online interactions, and becoming a good internet role model.

So what part can you play to help create a better internet?