Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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288. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will address an issue relating to cyber safety (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34042/17]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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I am aware of Cybersmarties, and the service currently offered by that company. I understand that Cybersmarties are an independent commercial entity, operating a fully monitored social network for children between the ages of 7 and 12, which also operates outside of school hours.  Accordingly, no public expenditure can be allocated to this programme without compliance with public procurement requirements.

My Department supports schools in educating children on issues around their online behaviour. For example, the SPHE curriculum at primary level contains a strand on Media Education, and as with all curriculum content, teachers are enabled to mediate this to children. Through the PDST Technology in Education and Webwise programme, schools  are advised on the following matters: the development and implementation of an Internet Safety Acceptable Usage Policy; the promotion of student awareness regarding safety online; and the implementation of a content filtering/monitoring system.

The Department of Justice and Equality has the lead role in co-ordinating Government policy concerning internet safety, through the Office for Internet Safety. The Departments of Communications, Climate Action and Environment  (DCCAE) Children and Youth Affairs and the Department of Education & Skills all have Key roles.  

The Safer Internet Ireland Project (which is under the remit of the Office for Internet Safety) is a consortium of industry, education, child welfare and government partners (including the PDST-TiE/Webwise) that provide Safer Internet awareness, hotline and helpline functions and activities for the Republic of Ireland.

Webwise is part of that project and it develops materials and programmes of awareness to ensure that children, teachers and parents understand the benefits and risks of the internet and ICT in general. The Webwise team work in collaboration with a range of relevant stakeholders including the Webwise Youth Advisory Council and is guided by local and international best practice.