Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is fantastic to see that the responsible and ethical use of technology is very much at the core of this because that is what we want young people to do, which is to behave responsibly online towards their peers and, above all else, to stay safe.

I am aware that the Minister mentioned Webwise in her initial contribution and I have had many dealings with them. They are one of many organisations which provides fantastic resources which are there for students and teachers, but are also there for parents. I encourage parents to have a look at the online resources that are there. Some of the social media companies themselves offer workshops, training and explanations also. I held a number of events in my own constituency in Clondalkin, Lucan and in Rathcoole a number of years ago about cybersafety, online gaming and social media. It was very much an eye-opener to hear how much some parents knew and how other parents were very much struggling to keep up. All of us here, as public representatives, should be there to help our parents to keep up, even when it comes to the dictionary and the new words that children are using online now. It is very much to be aware and to be there to support children through this. I thank the Minister very much.

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