For the past 13 years, countries across Europe have celebrated Safer Internet Day on the second Tuesday of February. And, since 2014, the event has also been celebrated in the United States.

Today, ComcastNBCUniversal was proud to host ConnectSafely and several hundred middle and high school students at Universal Studios Hollywood to learn about Internet Safety. The event featured student leaders, Instagram star and student filmmaker Leo, and a guest appearance by WWE wrestler and reality star Mike "The Miz" Mizanin.  

The event was live-streamed for free to communities and schools throughout the country to help drive dynamic and diverse discussions.  

This year’s global theme of Safer Internet Day is "Play your part for a better Internet" -- something that Comcast NBCUniversal takes very seriously. Through our investment in cyber security services and education, our Internet Essentials program, and world-class products and apps, we have made a meaningful impact on delivering the best Internet experience as well as closing the digital divide in the communities we serve. We know that just getting a family online is not enough. Families need ongoing support and resources to enrich their online experience and keep them safe, and Comcast is committed to providing that. 

It is in this spirit that we join other global companies to spotlight Internet Safety, including such topics as cyber bullying through an incredible panel about "Rejecting Hate, Building Resilience, and Growing the Good Online." We will also focus on the ethical implications of online behavior towards others, the broader Internet ecosystem, and ourselves.  

This is a conversation Comcast has been engaged in for some time. For years, we have been helping connect our customers to experts in the area of Internet Safety, such as our "Ask the Mediatrician" segments on our Xfinity Parents Portal. And for over a decade, we have been arming our customers with powerful Internet Security tools to enhance their online experience. We also partner with Boys and Girls Clubs of America on My.Future, a technology initiative designed to teach Club members about our digital world and ignite their passion for technology. It starts with the basics – teaching kids how to safely engage online and then moves into topics such as exploring the web, communicating with others digitally and building media. Additional experiences allow members to explore advanced topics, such as robotics, coding and game design.

So this Safer Internet Day, please join me in thinking about how each of us together can play our part for a better Internet.