Safer Internet Day 2024: What do YOU think about new online technology?

The online world is always changing, and new tech can be very exciting, especially for those of us who spend lots of time online.

Things like artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR) have provided us with new ways to connect, interact and exist on the internet.

Despite the positives new technology can bring, almost half of children are worried about safety risks, according to new research.

It comes from the UK Safer Internet Centre (UKSIC), which organises Safer Internet Day in the UK.

What do children think about online tech?

Just under 2,000 UK children aged 8-17 were surveyed for the research, which revealed lots of young people are excited about how new developments and changes in technology could better their lives.

A third of young people also said they've used newer technologies like GenAI, such as ChatGPT or SnapAI before.

However, many young people say they've seen how this tech can be used in negative ways, like creating images or videos to upset others or producing false information that looks believable, and the risks that may be involved in using these new online platforms

Lots of children understand the need for more education when it comes to platforms like this.

Safer Internet Day is all about promoting safety online

The research also revealed only 32% of children are aware of the Online Safety Act - a new law that places more responsibility on social media companies to make sure content shared on their platforms is not harmful and that young people are kept safe online.

Online and social media companies are now expected to remove any illegal content quickly, or stop it from being uploaded in the first place.

We want to hear from you - what do YOU think about new online technology? Are you all for it or are there things you're unsure about? Have your say in our vote and leave us a comment below.

If you can't see this vote, click here.

Why is this new research a big deal?

As the online world continues to play a big part in our lives, it's important that children understand the changes that are happening and how to stay safe.

"Our research shows the excitement many young people feel over the changing online landscape and emerging technologies," said UKSIC director Will Gardner OBE.  

Safer Internet Day is all about promoting online safety

"However it also shows the concerns young people have around safety and the need they see for more support."

"Safer Internet Day is the perfect opportunity to start listening to what they have to say and learning from their experiences and ideas."

 What is Safer Internet Day and what's this year's theme all about?

What questions do you have about online safety?

Safer Internet Day is the UK's biggest event, highlighting the importance of online safety.

The online world is something that affects us all, from interactions on social media platforms including TikTok, WhatsApp and Instagram, to the use of popular streaming services like Netflix and Disney+ and gaming sites. It even covers how we pay for lots of different goods and services.

However, with so much of life happening on the internet, it's important to know how to use it safely and responsibly, which is where Safer Internet Day comes in.

What do you think about new online technologies?

It's held on the 6 February and this year's theme is: 'Inspiring change? Making a difference, managing influence and navigating change online'.

The focus is on how children and young people can help bring a positive change online, the ways technology can affect how we think and feel both on and offline, the impact of online influencers and how we can stay safe in a world where technologies are constantly changing.