Safer Internet Day 2023 takes place on Tuesday, 7 February and Webwise want Post 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.
Here are six ways for Post Primary Schools to take part! Please note that this content is not suitable for Primary school-aged children.
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.
You could start a conversation about consent using the Lockers programme, or explore digital media literacy topics such as big data and rights online using the Connected programme.
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 Connect with Respect lesson for Post-Primary addresses the topic of cyberbullying, and aims to try to prevent this behaviour from happening and to empower pupils to respond effectively if cyberbullying and harassment does occur.
The lesson is designed to help students at the Junior end of post-primary, between the ages of 12-14, to understand the impact of their actions and that it may in fact constitute cyberbullying and online harassment.
It aims to help students recognise that online harassment and cyberbullying is not acceptable and in some cases is a criminal offence.
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.
The Post-Primary level presentations explore topics including News, Information and the Problems of False Information; Managing Your Online Wellbeing; Respectful Communication Online; Self-Esteem Online – The Full Picture.
The scripted presentations can be used within the classroom or as part of a whole-school assembly and are also supported by a Kahoot Quiz, activities and video materials.
Check out the presentations here!
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.
