Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The use of mobile devices and smart phones has increasingly become a part of the daily lives of children and young people. While this can be a positive experience, concerns have been identified in relation to risks associated with the misuse, abuse and possible overuse of these devices and the various associated technologies, particularly for younger children.

In recognition of this, I have introduced a number of measures to support internet safety and awareness for primary school age children and their parents, particularly in relation to smartphone usage. As you are aware, the Department of Education has drawn up new guidelines for parents entitled “Keeping Childhood Smartphone Free”. The new guidelines contain practical advice and suggestions to support parents and Parent Associations wishing to develop voluntary codes regarding smartphone use among primary school children.

As such, this guide has been prepared for parents of primary school age children who wish to come together to support their children’s online safety through creating a voluntary agreement around the use of smartphones and other devices, while taking into account their own local context in agreeing the best approach, including adopting a voluntary code for their children to not have a smartphone until a certain point in time

This ground-up approach ensures all parents, teachers and school communities are satisfied with the smart phone policy in place in their school. Parents can adopt a complementary approach at home to that which is in place in their child's school, if they wish to do so. The intention is to promote a shared approach regarding the appropriate and beneficial use of digital technologies.

In addition to this, all schools are advised to have an Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) in place that sets out rights, privileges, responsibilities and sanctions associated with the use of the internet for school purposes including the use of smart phones and personal devices.

A priority of the Department is to empower parents and school communities through education and information, so that they are fully aware of the responsibilities and realities of online activities. The Department of Education recognises the importance of online safety for children and continues to ensure that 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 by children and young people.

It is important that parents are aware of how to keep their children safe online and the supports that are available. An essential resource for parents and parents associations is also the website, www.webwise.ie. The webwise.ie resource includes practical information and advice on the safe, ethical and responsible use of the internet. Webwise will also be providing information sessions and seminars for parents, staff, and school community members who are interested in online safety through local Education Centres.

Online safety and the safe and ethical use of digital technologies is a key component of the Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 and the development and dissemination of high quality resources in this area is continuing, informed by national and international policy and best practice.