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Robbie O'Connell

Online Safety in the Classroom

Updated: Oct 2

Robbie O' Connell

Principal, St. Brendan's National School, Blennerville, Tralee


Do schools have a meaningful role to play regarding internet safety? The short answer is yes, schools do indeed have a role to play, in fact they have a duty of care to educate pupils about the myriad of pitfalls associated with online engagement. Many are of the opinion that internet safety is solely a parental issue but in effect, a joint approach is most effective, whereby strong links between the home and the classroom are fostered and both home and school are singing from the same hymn sheet.


What is internet safety? In simple terms it can defined as being aware of the nature, of the possible threats that one could encounter whilst engaging in activity throughout the Internet, this could relate to security threats, protection and management of personal data, online reputation management, and avoidance of harmful and illegal content.


It isn’t about scaremongering nor is it about criticism and chaos, it’s about focusing on the positive and enriching side of digital life whilst recognising its challenges, and how to best approach them.

From my own perspective as a primary school principal, online issues for students do impact school life in both positive and negative ways and therefore, I see it as part of my role to be proactive with respect to online safety. Parents do seek advice from schools about how to deal with online issues, and I am glad to aid where possible.


I think the best method of protecting our children online is by educating them on online etiquette (netiquette) and how to be a good ‘digital citizen’. Pupils need to be made aware plainly that their online actions matter, that there is a record of their actions and that there are profound consequences of their negative actions.


Teachers also have a role to play with regard to online safety, CPD- (continuous professional development) opportunities in online safety are widely available for teachers in order for them to upskill and become aware of the non-negotiable aspects of internet safety they must be aware of within the classroom, a train the trainer approach as such can be highly effective in protecting pupils.


We as a school have engaged Zeeko Education for talks on internet safety for pupils, parents and teachers. These talks are not generic internet safety talks but talks specific to each groups needs and responsibilities. I have surveyed all of parents, pupils and teachers in advance of these talks, then sent the data to Zeeko, who is then able to tailor an educational and meaningful talk specific to our needs.


Zeeko also provide their own digital trend report for schools focusing on understanding the impact of technology on young people’s lives and their attitude towards this technology. The internet and I would urge schools nationwide to avail of this free trend report in order to inform future practice going forward. For more information see www.zeeko.ie.


The awareness and the opportunity for the sharing of resources these talks have provided have been highly effective for our whole school community. Our school has also invited Garda from the local community to make the pupils aware of the fact that their actions


online have consequences going forward and the message has always hit home in a subtle yet direct manner.


Online safety is and has been a much-discussed issue for many years now, due to the ever-evolving nature of technology and there are a multitude of supports available for both schools and parents as outlined. www.webwise.ie & www.cybersafekids.ie both have superb resources for schools and parents nationwide. Wriggle, Compu b as well as other providers of ICT equipment to schools all provide guidance and an excellent after sales service on the best way to apply effective restrictions on the devices. Apple Education utilises Apple school manager which enables teachers to control the iPads and limit what the pupils can and cannot access.


My advice to schools looking to address online safety, is to start with drafting an AUP (Acceptable Use Policy) is an important document which governs students’ use of the internet at school and covers a wide range of issues surrounding the rights, responsibilities and privileges – as well as sanctions – connected with computer use.


Each school generally has a unique policy document, which is drawn up by teachers in conjunction with management and includes consultation with other stakeholders like students and parents.


It feeds into, and indeed governs, a school’s overall ICT policy, and should be linked to the school’s bullying and child protection policies.




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