Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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67. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide an update on the rollout of the Department's digital strategy for schools; the implementation of training around online safety and the safe and ethical use of digital technologies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13945/23]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be undoubtedly aware, digital technologies and skills are now an everyday feature of both children and young people’s lives. We need to ensure that children and young people are fully equipped with the relevant skills, including digital skills, to allow them get the most from their education journey, to equip them for their future careers, but also to protect them from the many risks they may be exposed to.

What is required, and what is incorporated in the stated vision of the Digital Strategy for Schools is an education system that supports the development of competent, critically engaged and active learners.

It is vital that all learners regardless of socio economic circumstances or geographical location are given the opportunity to develop their digital skills. This strategy and the capital investment of €200m underpinning it, will continue to support schools in planning for and embedding digital technologies throughout their teaching, learning and assessment. It will build on the €200m invested over the course of its predecessor strategy. Through continued investment, we will also ensure that all schools, regardless of location, are provided with appropriate broadband connectivity.

The overarching objectives under the strategy are already being rolled out with various programmes, initiatives and pilots underway, as well as continued professional support for schools leaders and teachers. An implementation plan is being finalised and will be published shortly. This will contain more detail in relation to particular actions and associated timelines to further support schools in this important area.

Online safety and the safe and ethical use of digital technologies is a key component of the Digital Strategy and the development and dissemination of high quality resources in this area is continuing, informed by national and international policy and best practice.

We are all aware that the prevalence of specific types of bullying, such as online bullying, has increased in recent years. Late last year I launched Cineáltas: Action Plan on Bullying, which is the Department’s whole of education approach to preventing and addressing bullying in schools. It is practical, inclusive and contains a broad range of actions to help us all work together towards a society free from bullying in all its forms, including online bullying.

In terms of training around online safety and the safe and ethical use of technology, there is a wealth of resources and supports already available through Webwise, which is part of the Department’s professional development service for teachers. These resources will continue to be developed as new information and knowledge becomes available.

Under Cineáltas, teachers will be encouraged to avail of the new online courses in relation to online bullying (cyber bullying) in order to be familiar with the resources available and gain the knowledge and confidence needed to both teach about cyberbullying and deal with cyberbullying incidents as they arise. Also, the www.tacklebullying.ie website will be updated so that its content becomes more accessible to children and young people, parents and school staff and contain examples of best practice at school level. Once updated, an awareness campaign will be developed to promote the website and the information available on it.

My Department is also engaging with the Online Safety Commissioner, particularly with regard to the ways that social media companies can support measures to prevent and address bullying among children and young people in schools and online.

There are further extensive training and curricular supports available to schools through the Social Personal Health Education (SPHE) curriculum and the Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST) to assist schools in the development of policies and practices on the prevention of bullying and harassment, including cyberbullying, and on the safe and responsible use of the internet.