We had great fun celebrating Internet Safety Week in school this week. The children learned that if we work together we can make the Internet a safer medium for all users. Thanks to Mr Brennan and Mr Doyle for delivering a very informative assembly to the school community at the beginning of the week and the children for working so hard on creating videos, posters and poems on the theme Together for a Better Internet.

Reminder to parents!

The Internet can be wonderful for kids- it is a fascinating and effective tool for both teaching and learning, at home and within school. Children can use the Internet to research, communicate, create and play but online access also comes with risks, like inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and online predators. Therefore it is paramount that children are educated on how to use the Internet safely.

It is the responsibility of parents/guardians to be fully aware of their child’s online activity.

If you allow access to social media platforms the following measures may help you monitor your child’s online activity:

1. Agree that you can have access to their phone whenever you want. Check the phone regularly.

2. Ensure you know what apps they are using and that they are age appropriate- know their passwords.

3. Monitor the history of their calls, messages, contacts, pictures and websites.

4. Talk to your child regarding the dangers of social media- children talk to strangers every day through social media.

5. No child needs a phone/iPad in their bedroom at night.

Parents should be aware of what their kids see and hear on the Internet, who they speak to and what they share about themselves. Talk with your kids, use tools to protect them, and keep an eye on their activities.