#Dayoffline and the #SaferInternet4EU campaign

On Safer Internet Day (SID) 2018, Commissioner Mariya Gabriel launched an EU-wide series of initiatives entitled #SaferInternet4EU, targeting children, young people, parents, teachers, and other EU citizens to become empowered and responsible digital users. It covers a wide range of topics, such as critical thinking, media literacy and digital skills necessary to identify and combat fake news and the risks brought by emerging online technologies and connected devices, and provides tips on cyber hygiene. In the framework of this campaign, the Czech SIC launched the #Dayoffline campaign for the first time on Saturday, 29 September 2018. The aim was to raise awareness about cyber hygiene and to demonstrate to internet users that screen time addiction is a serious issue.

Before the launch of this campaign, a small Czech school in Trutnov had already challenged their pupils, teachers and parents to stay offline for an entire day. Moreover, a simple Google search demonstrates the popularity of this challenge worldwide, and the general realisation that internet addiction is real.

The Czech SIC received a proposal for the organisation of the #Dayoffline campaign from new media portal Flowee. This was the occasion for the SIC to multiply the reach of their Vypnetetyinternety.cz project (which translates to "Switch off the internet!"), as Flowee is a partner capable of attracting many influencers who are recognised and respected by young people. Therefore, the SIC decided to support the initiative as part of the #SaferInternet4EU campaign.

The first #Dayoffline campaign reached a wide audience and was efficiently promoted, not only by Flowee but also by popular online and offline media such as iDnes.cz, Lidovky.cz, Aktualne.cz and Mediazurnal.cz. Věra Jourová, Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality, supported the initiative, saying: "Day offline? Why not. I will try to switch off and go outside".

The Czech SIC hopes that the #Dayoffline campaign will inspire other organisations in Europe to undertake similar initiatives as part of the #SaferInternet4EU campaign, and that it will grow in scale.

Find out more information about the work of the Czech Safer Internet Centre (SIC), including its awareness raising, helpline, hotline and youth participation services.