Today is Safer Internet Day. Safer Internet Day (SID) is an EU wide initiative to promote a safer internet for all users, especially young people. Did you know that since May 2018 the Digital Age of Consent in Ireland is 16?
Education plays a key role in helping primary school students learn how to use their mobile phones and the internet appropriately. It is vitally important that children are taught the key advice, promoted by Webwise, from an early age, when they encounter offensive content or receive messages that upset them. Children should follow the advice of technology experts and their teachers: a) don’t reply b) keep the message (Screenshot) c) block the sender d) tell someone you trust and e) report problems by clicking on the report button. Safety and education is key.
Webwise reminds parents that it is important that they chat to their children about what they do on their mobile phones and how to stay safe, reassuring them that they can always ask for help. Of course parents who lead by example and model good behaviour around mobile phones influences their children in a positive way. Parents can use parental controls, disable in-app purchases, activate safe search, agree on what to do when things go wrong and set up a family email to ensure their children’s safety.
Check out the videos below and check out the link below to find out more.