Around the world, 9 February is recognised as Safer Internet Day (SID), an event that promotes safe and responsible use of the Internet and mobile phones. This year's theme is 'Think B4 U Post' — reminding us that what we put online could reach another person somewhere, anywhere, around the world.

Think about it: 10 years ago, you wouldn't have been able to take a photo with your mobile phone, upload it to the Internet, and send it to potentially thousands of people you don't even know. But now that technology is making leaps and bounds and changing the way we talk to other people, we also need to learn how to be safe online.

Here are some safety tips to keep in mind whenever you're logging on to the Internet:

· Be careful when posting information online. Don't publish anything that could potentially let strangers find out your home address, phone number, and other personal information that should never, ever be shared to people you don't know.

· Don't post things you don't want other people to find out — including your future employers. We're sure you've heard of stories about people who were never hired for jobs simply because of embarassing Facebook profile pictures and blog entries.

· Watch what you say online, especially on forums and message boards. Aside from the fact that it doesn't sound cool whenever you use swear words or insult others, it's also a form of online bullying. A simple test: if you can't say a word or a phrase in front of your parents, it's a safe bet that you shouldn't be using those words online as well.

And don't forget to grab the free Safer Internet Day 2010 sticker from the Web Catalogue to show everyone that you support safe Internet practises and that you're a careful pixel when it comes to posting stuff online. :)