Over the years, Safer Internet Day (https://www.saferinternetday.org/) has become a landmark event in the online safety calendar. Starting as an initiative of the EU SafeBorders project in 2004 and taken up by the Insafe network as one of its earliest actions in 2005, Safer Internet Day has grown beyond its traditional geographic zone and is now celebrated in approximately 180 countries and territories worldwide. From cyberbullying to social networking to digital identity, each year Safer Internet Day aims to raise awareness of emerging online issues and current concerns. Insafe is a European network of Safer Internet Centres (SICs). Every national Centre implements awareness and educational campaigns, runs a helpline, and works closely with youth to ensure an evidence-based, multi-stakeholder approach to creating a better internet. And National Parents Council is also part of the Irish Safer Internet Centre consortium( https://www.hotline.ie/about/safer-internet-centre). The Irish Safer Internet Centre comprises of:
- Hotline.ie
- ISPCC
- National Parents Council
- Webwise
On the occasion of the Safer Internet Day( #SID2023) this February 7th of 2023, National Parents Council has collaborated with the Cyber Safe Kids Ireland (https://www.cybersafekids.ie/) for a Parent Awareness Campaign on the theme of #SAMERULESAPPLY and has also partnered up with Webwise (https://www.webwise.ie/) who are also part of the Irish Safer Internet Centre. Below are some of the campaigns and activities, the National Parents Council is involved on the Safer Internet Day.
During the entire week NPC will also be delivering Internet safety sessions for parents online which is open to all to attend.
SAMERULESAPPLY campaign:
We are delighted to share our latest online safety parental awareness campaign 'Same Rules Apply', which we are launching today as part of Safer Internet Day. In partnership with CyberSafeKids ( https://www.cybersafekids.ie/ ) and supported by Accenture, this campaign highlights the need to approach parenting children 'online' in the same way that we approach parenting them 'offline'.
Link to the #SameRulesApply campaign video:
Our video challenges the arbitrary distinction between 'offline' and 'online' worlds asking, “As parents, we'd never allow this to happen offline, so why allow it online? Giving your child unsupervised access to the online world means you’re also giving the online world unsupervised access to your child. Remember, online or offline, Same Rules Apply.”
As part of the campaign, we have also created a new interactive guide in association with CyberSafeKids (https://www.cybersafekids.ie/) Irish Examiner, and Accenture. Digital Parenting: Keeping your Kids Safe Online will help you provide the support and care your children need to navigate the online world safely. The link to the interactive guide is provided here: https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/spotlight/arid-41062751.html
(You can either view it on the webpage or download for future references later. We have included tools and tips that you can use as you go on this digital parenting journey in this increasingly technologically influenced world.)
The #SameRulesApply campaign is being launched across our respective social media channels today and is also accessible here: www.cybersafekids.ie/samerulesapply
We would appreciate it if you could support this campaign by sharing it on your own social media channels, using the hashtag #SameRulesApply
National Parents Council Free Internet Safety Information Sessions for Parents:
On the occasion of the Safer Internet Day, which is on the 7th of February, National Parents Council are kicking off with free online sessions on ‘Internet Safety Information’ exclusively for parents starting on the Safer Internet Day i.e the 7th of February till the 14th of February.
‘While the internet undoubtedly presents fantastic opportunities for children, it is equally clear that there are valid concerns about children spending too much time online, accessing inappropriate content, and communicating with people with intent to harm or exploit them. As parents our natural desire is to keep our children safe.’
Keeping this in mind, National Parents Council Primary is bringing a series of free Internet Safety Information Sessions specifically designed for parents! Each virtual session aims to give you information and skills to be able to engage in your children’s online lives. It covers the benefits and risks of the internet and provides hints and tips for parents, helping children be effective, responsible, and safer Internet users.
Registration Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Internet_Safety_Feb_2023
For more information on the Internet Safety sessions, please visit https://www.npc.ie/training-and-resources/training-we-offer/internet-safety-in-your-school.
These sessions are co funded by the EU and Virgin Media.
SILENT WITNESS CAMPAIGN:
For Safer Internet Day 2023, the Irish Safer Internet Centre is promoting a positive and inclusive digital world where children are safe and protected. And the main theme for this years Safer Internet Day from the Irish Safer Internet Centre is ‘Your phone is a silent witness. But you don't have to be. Report online bullying or abuse’. It is also a call for promoting respect and building empathy online this Safer Internet Day.’ This also includes a call to report online bullying and abuse and help to create more tolerant and inclusive online communities. ( webwise.ie/silentwitness)
Online Safety Webinar: As part of this larger campaign, Webwise; the Irish internet safety awareness centre in partnership with the National Parents Council are organising an Online Safety Webinar for parents of young children. The webinar will discuss the opportunities and risks for children online, offer practical advice to support parents and answer some frequently asked questions. The Apple team will also provide a short explainer on Parental controls and some key safety features. This webinar will take place on Tuesday, February 7th at 8pm. ( https://www.webwise.ie/trending/talklistenlearn-parent-events/)
