European Commission-backed online safety organisation Insafe has named today Safer Internet Day. The aim is to raise awareness of the threats that exist in the online world, particularly those faced by younger people.

More than 60 organisations in 30 countries are taking part, with Commissioner Viviane Reding leading the events in the UK.

The day will see the launch of several new online safety websites - including a new Insafe portal and a site for Finnish kids to air their views about the web - internet literacy programmes for schools, and a storytelling competition, open to 19 countries. In the UK, there will also be a full day's conference on young people's use of mobile technology,

Insafe is operated by European Schoolnet, a partnership of 26 ministries for education across Europe, and enables so-called national safety nodes to pool their experiences about online safety. ®

Related stories

Kids' blogs a 'paedophile's dream'
Police launch site to tackle net pervs
EC presses for safer internet