Cyber Safety

Keeping our students safe when engaging with the digital world is a priority in our school. We strive to empower our students to use the internet safely and behave responsibly when online.

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

Here are some links of useful websites which teachers use in class and can also support parents in keeping your child safe online.

https://heroes.webwise.ie/

1st & 2nd class resources: https://heroes.webwise.ie/1st-and-2nd-class-html-heroes/

3rd & 4th class resources: https://heroes.webwise.ie/html-heroes/

This website is aimed at children from 1st to 4th class. Lessons explore themes such as being safe online, finding reliable information, privacy, chatting, playing and learning online.

https://www.webwise.ie/

Webwise is the Irish Internet Safety Awareness Centre, we provide information, advice and resources for schools, families and young people on online safety and digital citizenship.

https://www.cybersafekids.ie/

CyberSafeKids is an Irish charity solely committed to equipping children with the skills and knowledge to navigate the online world with confidence, resilience, and safety. We empower children and young people to thrive in the digital age through innovative educational programmes, impactful research, and proactive advocacy.

https://beinternetlegends.withgoogle.com/en_ie

Be Internet Legends this Google created resource empowers children to use the web safely and wisely, so they can be confident explorers of the online world.

https://www.webwise.ie/myselfie-wider-world/

My Selfie and The Wider World is a resource from Webwise that aims to teach students about cyberbullying and how to reflect on their use of the internet. It is aimed at 5th/6th class pupils

AI in Schools Hub https://www.oidetechnologyineducation.ie/ai-hub/

These resources can be used at any stage.

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