This week is Cyber Safety Week at our school. We’re focusing on helping children (and parents) build healthy, safe digital habits using excellent free Irish resources from CyberSafeKids. We’ll finish the week by joining CyberBreak — a 24-hour national “disconnect to reconnect” challenge from 5pm this Friday, 17 October to 5pm Saturday, 18 October. CyberSafeKids+1
What we’re learning in class
Across the week, classes will explore age-appropriate activities on:
- Privacy & security (strong passwords, privacy settings)
- Kindness online (what to do about mean messages/cyberbullying)
- Sharing wisely (photos, locations, “think before you post”)
- Gaming & screen time balance (healthy habits)
We’re drawing on CyberSafeKids’ free factsheets and their bite-sized Cyber Academy mini-lessons (quick 10-minute activities you can also try at home). CyberSafeKids+1
Try these at home (parents & carers)
- Download the Better Digital Parenting booklet and fact sheets (plain-English advice on safety settings, conversations, and screen time). CyberSafeKids
- Explore Cyber Academy with your child — short interactive lessons on camera safety, misinformation, and safety settings. CyberSafeKids
- See the Department of Education guidance “Keeping Childhood Smartphone Free” for primary schools and parents’ associations. gov.ie
Join CyberBreak — this Friday 5pm to Saturday 5pm
CyberBreak invites families across Ireland to switch off smart devices for 24 hours and reconnect with offline fun — board games, baking, reading, drawing, nature walks, visits with friends and family. We’ll be encouraging every class to take part.
When: From 5pm Friday, 17 Oct to 5pm Saturday, 18 Oct.
How: Agree your family rules (which devices are off), plan a few activities, and enjoy the break! CyberSafeKids
Tip: Younger children benefit from a simple family agreement (where, when, and how you’ll use devices at home), then celebrate completing the challenge together.
Optional: share your CyberBreak
CyberSafeKids provides a downloadable “I’m taking a CyberBreak!” graphic you can post before you switch off. If you’d like, email a photo of your family’s offline activity to the school and we’ll share a collage next week. CyberSafeKids
Helpful links (quick access)
- CyberSafeKids – Resources & Research (factsheets, guides) CyberSafeKids
- CyberSafeKids – CyberBreak page (details & ideas) CyberSafeKids
- CyberSafeKids – Cyber Academy (free mini-lessons) CyberSafeKids
- Dept. of Education – “Keeping Childhood Smartphone Free” (guide) gov.ie
A quick word on why this matters
Irish research consistently finds high device access among primary-age children and frequent exposure to upsetting or inappropriate content. Building skills and healthy habits early — together as a school and home community — makes a real difference. CyberSafeKids
Togher Boys' National School 