Safer Internet Day 2023: Call for Australians to ‘Connect. Reflect. Protect.’

The Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP, is encouraging Australians to ‘Connect, Reflect and Protect’ today on Safer Internet Day.



Now in its twentieth year, Safer Internet Day is an opportunity for schools, communities and families to learn more about how to stay safe online. Safer Internet Day is observed globally and coordinated in Australia by our world-leading online safety regulator, the eSafety Commissioner.



The theme for this year’s Safer Internet Day is “Connect. Reflect. Protect”. There are many practical things all Australians can do to promote safety online, including:

  • connecting to eSafety’s tools and resources,
  • reflecting on how our online behaviour may impact others, and
  • protecting ourselves and others.

The Albanese Government is serious about online safety. The 2022-23 Budget delivered on our $6 million commitment to make digital and media literacy tools, developed by the Alannah & Madeline Foundation, freely available to all schools – not just those that can afford them.



Australia’s eSafety Commissioner promotes safer online experiences and acts as a safety net for Australians who experience online safety issues, including child cyberbullying, serious online abuse and image-based abuse. The Government is committed to increasing awareness of this important role, and the tools and resources that are available.



For more information about Safer Internet Day, and to access eSafety’s tips, tools and resources for staying safe online, visit www.esafety.gov.au/sid.  



Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:



“All Australians deserve to connect to safe and inclusive online environments. While the internet provides many benefits to our daily lives, it can also expose us to risks and harms such as harassment and exposure to harmful content.



“This year’s theme for Safer Internet Day is ‘Connect. Reflect. Protect. ’It gives Australians an opportunity to connect to the tools and resources at esafety.gov.au, reflect on how we can stay safe online, and take action to protect ourselves, family and friends.



“The eSafety Commissioner is here to help, and I encourage all Australians to make themselves familiar with the resources they have to offer.”