Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for her question. As Minister for Education, the online safety of our children and young people is a priority both for myself and my Department.

Within the education system, the current Social Personal and Health Education Curriculum, known as SPHE, at primary level covers the important topics of personal safety and protection, and includes online safety. This SPHE curriculum content aims to foster well-being, self-confidence and seeks to develop the child’s own sense of personal responsibility. This learning is built on at post-primary level. Here students learn how to exercise judgement, weigh up different possibilities, examine the steps and choices that guide them towards considered decision-making, begin to understand their own rights and the rights of others, and explore decision-making in all aspects of their lives including online.

The SPHE specifications, as the Deputy is aware, are currently being redeveloped by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, NCCA. The immediate focus of the work has been on creating support materials for teachers, with the NCCA online SPHE toolkits being expanded during 2022. As part of the redevelopment work, we have specifically referred to the need to ensure that the specifications are modern and up to date in respect of the online world and its impact on children.

The junior cycle draft SPHE specification was subject to a consultation process which concluded in October 2022. It is expected that the specification will be finalised by the end of this year, with implementation in schools in September 2023.

With regard to senior cycle SPHE, consultation is expected by next summer and it is expected that the curriculum will be ready for implementation in schools in September 2024. At primary level it is expected that the new curriculum will be in schools in 2025.

The Professional Development Service for Teachers, PDST, funded by my Department, offers professional learning opportunities and resources to teachers and school leaders in a range of curricular and educational areas, including supports on the prevention of online bullying and harassment.

In particular, Webwise which is part of the PDST technology in education, promotes the effective and safe use of the Internet through a sustained information and awareness strategy. It also addresses key issues such as cyberbullying, sexting, image sharing, respectful communication, social media, popular apps and much more.

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