Creating a Better Internet Together

Safer Internet Day, an annual initiative that aims to raise awareness of emerging online issues and current concerns, from cyberbullying to social networking to digital identity. Over the years, the initiative has become a landmark moment in the online safety calendar that is observed worldwide. Under the theme “Together for a better internet,” Pinterest is joining this global call to action to make the internet a safer and better place for all – especially for children and young people.

Partnering for Trust, Safety and Emotional Wellbeing

Pinterest has partnered with #HalfTheStory, a non-profit and Pinterest Purpose Partner on a mission to empower the next generation’s relationship with technology, to create tailored Gen Z content promoting digital wellbeing for teens. Inspired by #HalfTheStory’s digital curriculum, the Pins live in a dedicated board featuring the content and educational information to help provide young people and parents alike the resources they need to forge a positive relationship with technology. 

“As digital wellbeing pioneers, our mission has always been to empower the next generation’s relationship with technology, and that starts with unpacking the toll it takes on our mental health.” said Larissa May, founder of #HalfTheStory. “We’re proud to partner with a platform like Pinterest that invests in  policies to create new standards for the future of responsible technology.”

To better understand the need for more positive online experiences, Pinterest commissioned a survey with Morning Consult. According to the findings, 6 in 10 Gen Z respondents (58%) believe people can benefit from a website that is dedicated to positive content and more than half (53%) believe that online platforms and social media have a responsibility to create and craft positive online spaces. Yet, half of respondents (50%) agreed that negative online experiences are becoming more commonplace. 

The research also found that Gen Z craves a positive association with digital platforms. Through the creation of industry-leading policies, inclusive product features and tools like the Creator Code, we have made it our priority to create a positive, more inclusive and safer place  on the internet. In fact, Gen Z users of Pinterest are least likely to report having had a negative experience on the platform (such as cyberbullying, discrimination based on gender or race, or violent content) than on other major platforms. We’re proud to be a platform that encourages self-expression and inspiration – from using Pinterest to find the perfect outfit for a graduation, to becoming a tool for trans teens to express themselves and envision the life they want to live before they come out, there’s a place for everyone on our platform.

“Pinterest isn’t just about inspiring people to create a life they love. It’s also about inspiring the industry to join us in creating an internet that’s as positive, safe, and inclusive as possible,” said Bill Ready, CEO at Pinterest. “I’m proud to support and stand firmly behind Safer Internet Day — today and every day"

Youth mental health is a pressing issue and elevating the voices of organizations and young creators who support emotional wellbeing around the world is critical. As a result, we committed more than one third of our total philanthropic funds focused on the advancement of emotional wellbeing to projects specifically dedicated to serving youth. Sustained investment is required to generate true impact, so we renewed some of these partnerships at a two-year commitment. In addition to #HalfTheStory, other partners include The Steve Fund for the creation of a web-based experience for BIPOC young people to explore creative expression in connection to emotional wellbeing and Inseparable for state-level and digital advocacy to improve youth mental health.

To learn more about Safer Internet Day, please visit: https://www.saferinternetday.org.  

*Methodology: A survey of US adults ages 18-25 (n = 320), collected in December 2022 by Morning Consult.