Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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183. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the banning of recreational electronic devices, phones, tablet computers and other screen devices with Internet capabilities from primary and secondary schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44194/18]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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The decision to use technology including smartphones, tablets etc, is a matter for the Board of Management of each school. To assist schools, information on the adoption of tablets in schools is available on the PDST-Technology in Education (PDST-TIE) website, detailing what tablets can offer a school, educational considerations, purchasing considerations and software. Where the introduction of new technology is planned, there should be consultation with all members of the school community including parents.

 Earlier this year, my predecessor, Minister Bruton, issued a circular to all schools requiring them to consult with parents and the school community on the use of smart phones and digital devices in schools. This requirement will be underpinned in law once the Parents and Students Charter is enacted. This bottom-up approach will ensure all parents, teachers and school communities are satisfied with the smart phone policy in place in their school. It will also mean that parents will be able to adopt a complimentary approach at home to what they know is in place in their child's school, if they wish to do so.

One of the key objectives of the Digital Strategy for Schools 2015-2020 is to promote responsible and ethical use of the internet and related technologies and to continue to undertake awareness-raising actions and programmes that promote responsible and ethical use of the internet. There are extensive training and curricular supports and resources available to assist schools in the development of policies and practices on the safe use of the internet, and related issues.  Information and resources are also  available for teachers, parents, and children through the Webwise Internet Safety Initiative which promotes the safe use of the internet by young people and raises awareness for parents on the associated risks.

 The Action Plan on Online Safety, which was launched by the Taoiseach on 11 July last and which is currently being implemented, recognises that online safety is not the responsibility of any one Department, but that many Departments have a role to play. The Action Plan sets out 25 Actions and the Departments responsible for their delivery.  A sponsors group, chaired by the Department of Education & Skills, has been established to drive implementation of the Action Plan.