2026 Theme: Caring and Sharing
The theme from 2025 is still in place, with a focus on connection, empathy, and helping others to support global well-being. First launched in 2013, it is aligned to the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to eliminate poverty, reduce inequality, and promote protection.
It highlights the importance of kindness and building community to improve happiness for individuals and society. This year International Day of Happiness, March 20 also focuses on the digital age, exploring the effects of social media .
How social media is used doesn’t always bring happiness. “Australian law (Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 24) mandates a minimum age of 16 for new and existing social media accounts to protect children from harmful content.” However young people can still find ways to access social media, and regardless it is important for children to continually learn about safety in the ever changing digital world that is part of their lives. Increasingly more so now! There’s no one “right” way to use social media, but small, thoughtful choices about how we use it and how we treat each other online can make a real difference.
This theme encourages us to explore ways to use technology for good, promoting meaningful connection.
 You can find happiness activities here