Safer Internet Day 2023 takes place on Tuesday, 7 February and Webwise want Primary schools, their teachers, students and parents to get involved.
Safer Internet Day (SID) is an EU-wide initiative to promote a safer internet for all users, especially young people. It is promoted in Ireland by the PDST Technology in Education and Webwise, the Irish internet safety awareness centre.
There are lots of ways to get involved in Safer Internet Day.
Here are some useful ideas to help get started thanks to our friends at Webwise.
1. Get free wristbands for your schools for Safer Internet Day
Regardless of how big or small your event or activity is, if you are marking Safer Internet Day – let us know! The interactive Safer Internet Day map of Ireland highlights the schools and organisations from all over Ireland who are taking part.
Register to feature on the map, and to receive your free Safer Internet Day pack and wristbands!
2. Support the #SilentWitness Campaign – promoting respect and building empathy online
The theme for Safer Internet Day 2023 is about promoting respect and building empathy online. Bullying and abuse is the number 1 issue encountered by child and young people online.
The #SilentWitness campaign encourages people to speak up if they witness abuse and bullying online, and to play a part in creating more respectful and empathetic communities online.
- Support the Safer Internet Day 2023 theme by exploring the topic with students using the free education resources, classroom videos and activities.
- The new Webwise Cyberbullying Hub also provides guidance to teachers and school leaders on the issue of cyberbullying, creating an anti-cyberbullying culture and promoting student's wellbeing including online wellbeing.
- Spread the word on social media using #SilentWitness and tagging Webwise.
3. Use the Free Webwise online safety resources, lessons and videos in your class
Safer Internet Day is a great time to explore online safety topics and issues in schools. Use the FREE Webwise resources, lessons and presentations to address topics such as cyberbullying, privacy, respectful online communication, screen time and online wellbeing and more.
These resources can be accessed for free on webwise.ie and we also send out hard copies to schools.
4. Invite a Garda to deliver a lesson using the Garda Schools Programme
Safer Internet Day is a great time to consider the Garda Schools Programme! In partnership with Webwise, two new lessons have been developed for Primary and Post-Primary students as part of the Garda Schools Programme.
The Be Kind Online Primary school lesson is designed to enable 3rd and 4th class pupils to understand what cyberbullying is, how it can hurt someone and how it can be prevented.
The lessons in this pack promote respectful communication online and aim to foster a sense of care and respect for others online. The programme will equip children with the skills to deal effectively with cyberbullying.
5. Lead an internet safety talk using scripted Safer Internet Day presentations
Free scripted presentations are available for children and young people, and have been specifically designed to help schools and organisations taking part in Safer Internet Day. These include Primary school presentations for use with 1st and 2nd class, 3rd and 4th class, and 5th and 6th class.
The scripted presentations for primary can be used within the classroom or for remote learning and are also supported by a Kahoot Quiz, video materials, and a take home activity sheet.
Click here to see all the details!
6. Get parents involved
Parents have a vital role to play in helping their child or teenager to have a be safe, responsible, and positive online, and Safer Internet Day is a great time to get parents involved!
There are lots ways to get parents involved:
- Check out the Webwise Parents Presentations
- Encourage parents to #TalkListenLearn with the Webwise Online Topic Generator
- Order copies of the free Webwise Online Safety Booklet for Parents
- And highlight the Webwise Parent Hub with parents in the school community
These are just a few ideas for what can be done to mark Safer Internet Day 2023, but how you highlight online safety is up to you! You can find lots of more ideas on how to celebrate Safer Internet Day on the Webwise SID Hub.
Whatever activity you choose to do, be sure to join in the national and international conversation online using #SID2023, #SilentWitness and tag Webwise on social media.
