The opening of the first day was marked by the words of Queen Letizia, who launched a message boosting the positive use of technology. The Queen was accompanied by the Secretary of State for Digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence, Carme Artigas, during the inauguration. The event enjoyed virtual support from 607 educational centres, families, educators, experts working in children and technology, and young representatives of online safety and security initiatives.

The event agenda included three different workshops divided into three age groups (students aged 5-8, 9-14, and over 14). Topics covered included security and safety on the internet and the first steps for kids to learn how to identify malware, online frauds and hoaxes, and critical thinking through game-based educational dynamics.

The agenda also included talks for adults about developing digital skills at home and school, preventing and treating addictive behaviours towards the internet and technology, and parental mediation on online issues, among other topics. A total of 18 speakers and professionals represented different voices on the protection and well-being of children online.

Industry partners also contributed to Safer Internet Day 2021 by sharing their visions and support of the cause by communicating improvements applied to services aimed at increasing the privacy and safety of children.

Moreover, it was also possible to bring the helpline 017 to participants' attention through short videos with examples based on real cases in which different common query scenarios were simulated. Thanks to these videos, the helpline has received more calls since Safer Internet Day.

During the event, well-deserved recognition of the Cybercooperant of the Year 2020 was granted to the most active volunteer, and the Cybercooperant of Honour was granted to a well-recognised influencer on cybersecurity matters. The awards also included recognition of the winners of the contest launched before the event: "Best initiative for the academic year 2020/2021 in cybersecurity at school centres" and the "Reflect and contrast" infographic competition.

In summary, the shift to an online format motivated by COVID-19 restrictions meant that the 2021 edition of Safer Internet Day was able to reach many more classrooms and, thanks to the joint effort of the entities that supported the day in Spain, the celebration achieved greater follow-up and more impact in the media.

If you missed Safer Internet Day 2021 in Spain or want to relive the experience, you can enjoy the celebration via INCIBE’s YouTube channel.

Will you join us in the next edition of Safer Internet Day? INCIBE and Internet Segura for Kids hope you will on Tuesday, 8 February 2022.

Find out more about Safer Internet Day in Spain. Alternatively, find out more about the work of the Spanish Safer Internet Centre, including its awareness raising, helpline, hotline and youth participation services – or find similar information for Safer Internet Centres throughout Europe.