Safer Internet Day 2026

A safer internet is about empowering people to use it wisely, not about blocking technology!

For over 20 years, Safer Internet Day has provided practical resources, sparked meaningful conversations and put young people's voices at the centre of online safety discussions. 

At HaDEA, under the Digital Europe Programme, €44 million has so far been allocated across two calls to co-fund Safer Internet Centres (SICs) across EU Member States and associate countries, notably Albania and North Macedonia. An additional €42 million has also been budgeted in the 2025 call. These EU co-funded centres play a crucial role in promoting online safety by providing educational resources, public awareness tools, and essential counselling and reporting services. Through dedicated helplines and hotlines, SICs support children, parents, educators and professionals working with young people, helping to create a safer and more informed digital environment for all.

During its presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026, Cyprus has prioritised the enhancement of digital safety, with a specific focus on protecting minors online, fostering a "safer digital transition" and addressing cyber violence against girls.

The Cypriot Safer Internet Centre, co-funded under the Digital Europe Programme, is operated by a consortium of six partners led by the Cyprus Pedagogical Institute / Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth (MOESY). Active since 1 July 2016, the centre plays a key role in fostering a safer and more responsible digital environment for children, young people, parents, educators and the wider community. As part of the European Insafe-INHOPE network (the pan-European networks which bring together national awareness centres, helplines, hotlines and youth panels), the SIC’s mission is to empower users with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the online world securely.

Within the context of the International Safer Internet Day (SID) 2026, the Cypriot SIC and its partners organise a series of activities under the theme 'Together for a better internet'. These activities will take place on Safer Internet Day itself and throughout February, targeting children, young people, parents, educators and the wider community. 

The main event on 11 February will be an interactive seminar. It will focus on promoting responsibility, respect and ethical online behaviour, encouraging children, educators, policymakers and the wider Cypriot society to actively contribute to shaping a safer and more positive internet for communication, entertainment and learning.

For more information and the full event programme, visit: https://internetsafety.pi.ac.cy/safer-internet-day/SID2026/ 

Additional resources

Find more resources and discover events near you at: better-internet-for-kids.europa.eu/saferinternetday 

Background information

The Digital Europe Programme (DEP) aims to build the strategic digital capacities of the EU and to facilitate the wide deployment of digital technologies. With an overall budget of €8.1 billion, out of which €0.8 billion is managed by HaDEA, the programme will support investments in the following sectors:

• High Performance Computing
• Artificial Intelligence
• Cybersecurity and Trust
• Advanced digital skills
• Best use of Digital Capacities and Interoperability
• Semiconductors

HaDEA manages actions under Artificial Intelligence, Advanced Digital Skills and Best use of Digital Capacities and Interoperability.

The network of Safer Internet Centres (SICs), co-funded under the Digital Europe Programme, aims to raise awareness about online safety issues and to mitigate the risks children and young people are exposed to. More information about Safer Internet Centres - the "Safer Internet" factsheet.