Safer Internet Day 2025: Key Highlights and Cybersecurity Milestones
For whom: Gamers, parents, educators, and cybersecurity professionals
TLDR: Safer Internet Day 2025 marked its 22nd edition with a global call for a safer online environment. Key initiatives included a campaign on in-game spending awareness, and major steps towards child safety through the Digital Services Act.
CTA: Stay informed about digital safety by engaging with Safer Internet Day resources and implementing best cybersecurity practices.
Reading time: 4 minutes
A Global Effort for a Safer Internet
On Tuesday, 11 February 2025, the 22nd edition of Safer Internet Day (SID) took place worldwide, uniting stakeholders under the theme “Together for a better internet.” This annual initiative continues to serve as a pivotal moment to reflect on online safety, especially for children and young users navigating digital spaces.
Play Smart, Spend Wisely: AdWiseOnline Campaign
With in-game purchases becoming a growing concern, AdWiseOnline’s “Play smart, spend wisely – mind the hidden costs” campaign launched a range of educational resources in January and February 2025. These included learning modules, webinars, podcasts, and interactive activities designed to help young gamers and their families understand manipulative in-game marketing tactics. The campaign reached over 250,000 parents and educators, making it one of the most impactful initiatives of the year.
Digital Services Act: Strengthening Online Protection
A major highlight of SID 2025 was the Digital Services Act (DSA) and its enforcement measures aimed at protecting minors. The European Commission has started investigations into major online platforms to ensure compliance with child safety regulations. Additionally, new guidelines are being formulated to enhance privacy, security, and online safety for young users.
The Better Internet for Kids (BIK) Strategy Update
Two years after the launch of the Better Internet for Kids (BIK) Strategy, an official evaluation was presented, showing significant progress in engaging and empowering young users. The BIK Annual Report 2024 highlighted increased youth participation in shaping digital policies, particularly through the youth-led Safer Internet Forum (SIF).
Industry and Institutional Support
Safer Internet Day received extensive backing from EU institutions, including a dedicated press release and a video message from Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen. Influential entities such as Europol, the Council of Europe, UNICEF, the United Nations, Microsoft, Google, Meta, TikTok, Discord, and YouTube amplified the event’s visibility across social media. The presence of cybersecurity companies like Bitdefender, Norton, Surfshark, and PureVPN reinforced the collective commitment to a safer online environment.
