Safer Internet Day will be marked on Tuesday, February 10, with Netsafe leading New Zealand’s national campaign.

The annual global day of action takes place each February and promotes collaborative efforts to build a safer, more positive online world.

In New Zealand, Netsafe is coordinating the initiative and providing resources for schools, families, and organisations.

The 2026 theme is “Together for a better internet”, with a focus on shared responsibility, digital wellbeing, and helping users make safe and responsible choices online.

A key focus this year is artificial intelligence, under the message “Smart tech, safe choices – Exploring the safe and responsible use of AI”.

For Hibiscus Coast families and schools, the day is an opportunity to talk with children and young people about how they use technology, including AI tools, and what to do if something goes wrong online.

Five simple ideas for Hibiscus Coast locals

• Share Netsafe’s Safer Internet Day posts on social media or local community groups.
• Have a 10-minute family chat about apps, AI tools, and what to do if something goes wrong online.
• Run a short discussion at school, church, sport club, or a youth group using the “Together for a better internet” theme.
• Add a short online safety note to a school, club, or workplace newsletter, pointing people to saferinternetday.nz.
• Encourage a Year 10 or 11 student to apply for Netsafe’s Youth Action Squad (YAS).

Among the initiatives linked to Safer Internet Day 2026 are applications for the Youth Action Squad, open to students in Years 10 and 11.

New Zealand will take part alongside more than 180 countries worldwide in the global campaign.

More information and resources are available at saferinternetday.nz.

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