On February 10, 2026, communities across the globe came together to mark Safer Internet Day, an annual initiative dedicated to promoting digital safety and empowering people of all ages to navigate the online world with confidence and care. From Maryland to Cumbria and Springfield to classrooms worldwide, law enforcement, educators, and technology leaders united around a common goal: strengthening digital awareness in an era where the internet and artificial intelligence (AI) have become woven into the fabric of daily life.
This year’s Safer Internet Day theme, “AI Aware: Safe, Smart, In Control,” underscored how deeply AI now shapes students’ digital experiences. According to Microsoft Education, the initiative aimed to help young people assess AI-shaped content, recognize manipulative interactions or misinformation, protect their personal data, and move through online spaces with discernment. As AI-powered tools become more prevalent in learning platforms and creative environments, the need for digital literacy and critical thinking has never been more urgent.
In Maryland, the State Police Computer Crimes Unit issued a call for heightened digital vigilance across all age groups. “Internet safety is a year-round responsibility, not just a focus for the month of February,” investigators emphasized, as reported by local authorities. Children and senior citizens remain the primary targets for online criminal activity, including cyberbullying, identity theft, and human trafficking. The Maryland State Police urged parents to actively oversee their children’s digital footprints—controlling which apps are downloaded, monitoring communications, and being aware of the information their children share online. For seniors, the advice was clear: exercise extreme caution when sharing personal or financial information, avoid suspicious emails, refuse requests for remote computer access, and keep internet security software up to date.
Maryland’s response to online threats is robust, involving close collaboration with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). The Maryland Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, managed by the Computer Crimes Section, brings together law enforcement and prosecutors to target offenders and provide community education year-round. Authorities stress the importance of reporting child exploitation or cyberbullying at cybertipline.org and, in emergencies, calling 9-1-1. For broader internet crimes such as hacking or extortion, victims are encouraged to file reports at IC3.gov.
Across the Atlantic, Cumbria Police in the United Kingdom echoed these concerns as they prepared to share essential safety tips for Safer Internet Day. The Cyber and Digital Crime Unit, featuring specialist officers, focused on online fraud and exploitation risks—especially those targeting children and young people. Detective Inspector Fiona Gray, who leads the unit, explained, “Tackling online crime and protecting the public is of the utmost importance to us – but there are many precautions people can take to protect themselves as well.”
As part of their outreach, Cumbria Police participated in a webinar organized by the Westmorland and Furnace Safeguarding Children Partnership, offering practical guidance to professionals who work with children, young people, or families. Throughout the year, officers deliver educational sessions in schools on topics like social media use, the dangers of online strangers, and the risks associated with sharing images. On Safer Internet Day itself, a safety session took place in the county’s south, complemented by advice disseminated through media channels to maximize the campaign’s reach.
David Allen, Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, highlighted the critical role of education: “Prevention and education are the keys to reducing cyber crime. If we know how to spot the signs of a scam and protect ourselves, we’re less likely to fall victim to these criminals.” The National Cyber Security Centre reinforced this message with practical recommendations: install the latest software and app updates, use strong and unique passwords, activate two-step verification, utilize password managers, back up important data, and create complex passwords using three random words. Victims of cybercrime are urged to report incidents to the police or dedicated fraud reporting services.
In Springfield, Missouri, the FBI joined the chorus of voices promoting Safer Internet Day. Their advice? Use reputable anti-virus programs and strong, unique passwords to make it harder for criminals to steal personal information. Cybersecurity experts cautioned against opening unexpected email attachments and suggested verifying suspicious messages—especially those appearing to come from financial institutions—by contacting the source directly. Deputy Jonah Beadles summed it up: “If you’re not in full trust of that website or that link or anything like that, or even that app, call or go in person if you’re able. You can’t mess that up.” The FBI also encouraged prompt reporting of online crimes via IC3.gov, emphasizing that swift action could help recover lost funds and aid investigations.
But Safer Internet Day 2026 was not solely about warnings—it was equally about empowerment and education. Microsoft Education played a pivotal role by introducing the new Education Security Toolkit, designed to help educators and IT teams create safer learning environments. The toolkit offers security frameworks aligned with Zero Trust principles, AI-powered tools, data governance guidance, and resources for student-run Security Operations Centers (SOCs). Real campus case studies demonstrate how these tools have strengthened institutions’ digital defenses without stifling innovation.
Schools today manage a treasure trove of sensitive information, from student records and learning analytics to financial aid data and federally funded research. As Microsoft’s guidance notes, the openness that fuels academic collaboration also increases risk—a single cybersecurity incident can disrupt instruction, halt essential services, and erode trust. The message is clear: strong security is not a barrier to progress, but a foundation that enables safe AI adoption and resilient digital transformation.
Younger learners, too, are being equipped for the digital age through creative approaches. Minecraft Education’s CyberSafe series, developed with input from Microsoft’s safety and digital units, offers immersive, age-appropriate lessons in online safety and digital citizenship for students aged 8 to 14. The latest module, “Bad Connection?,” invites students ages 11 to 14 to practice evaluating risks, identifying red flags, considering consequences, and seeking help—all within engaging, game-based scenarios inspired by real-life digital dilemmas. By turning safety concepts into interactive experiences, CyberSafe aims to reduce stigma, normalize conversations about unsafe interactions, and foster protective online behaviors.
Safer Internet Day 2026 ultimately served as a reminder that everyone—students, educators, families, law enforcement, and technology partners—has a role to play in building safer, more confident online experiences. By opening conversations about digital safety, sharing practical resources, and embracing robust security practices, communities can help ensure that every learner, young or old, navigates the digital world with curiosity, confidence, and control.
As the day’s events made clear, the internet’s possibilities are vast—but so are its risks. Staying safe online is a shared responsibility, one that extends far beyond a single day on the calendar.