Barnardos Online Safety Webinar 

Ensuring online safety against cyberbullying is a critical aspect of fostering a secure digital environment. Cyberbullying involves using digital communication tools to harass, threaten, or harm individuals, and it can have severe consequences on mental well-being.

Strategies to promote online safety and combat cyberbullying:

1. Education and Awareness:
   • Provide educational programs to raise awareness about cyberbullying, its forms, and its potential impact.
   • Teach students, parents, and educators about responsible online behavior, digital citizenship, and the consequences of cyberbullying.
2. Open Communication:
   • Encourage open communication between parents, educators, and students to create a supportive environment.
   • Establish clear channels for reporting cyberbullying incidents and ensure that individuals feel safe coming forward.
3. Digital Literacy:
   • Integrate digital literacy programs into the curriculum to empower students with the skills to critically evaluate online content and engage responsibly in digital spaces.
   • Teach students how to protect their personal information and use privacy settings effectively.
4. Establish and Enforce Policies:
   • Develop and enforce comprehensive school policies addressing cyberbullying.
   • Clearly outline the consequences for engaging in cyberbullying behavior and consistently apply these consequences.
5. Promote Positive Online Behavior:
   • Encourage a culture of respect and kindness online.
   • Highlight positive online behavior and celebrate instances of digital empathy and support.
6. Online Monitoring Tools:
   • Utilize online monitoring tools and parental control features to track online activity.
   • These tools can help parents and educators identify potential signs of cyberbullying and intervene promptly.
7. Empower Bystanders:
   • Encourage bystanders to report cyberbullying incidents and intervene when they witness inappropriate online behavior.
   • Teach students the importance of being allies and standing up against cyberbullying.
8. Crisis Intervention and Support:
   • Establish a protocol for responding to serious incidents of cyberbullying, including crisis intervention and counseling support for affected individuals.
   • Collaborate with mental health professionals to address the emotional impact of cyberbullying.
9. Collaboration with Parents:
   • Foster collaboration between schools and parents to address cyberbullying collectively.
   • Provide resources and guidance for parents to navigate and understand their children’s online activities.
10. Continuous Evaluation and Adaptation:
    • Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of online safety measures and adjust strategies based on emerging threats and technological advancements.
    • Stay informed about new trends in cyberbullying to proactively address evolving challenges.

By implementing these strategies, schools and communities can create a safer online environment, empower individuals to navigate digital spaces responsibly, and combat the negative effects of cyberbullying.

Barnardos is hosting a FREE Online Safety Webinar  on Tuesday, 31st May from 10-11.30am.

This year’s theme is cyberbullying.

Register here …

The webinar is aimed at principals, parents and professionals working with children. You’ll hear input from the Barnardos Online Safety Programme, schools, young people and the tech industry. The webinar aims to provide a practical, solution focused and empowering learning on what cyberbullying looks like nowadays and what can be done to prevent it.

Barnardos Online Safety Webinar  Agenda:

• 10.00 Welcome, Anton Savage (MC)
• 10.05 Suzanne Connolly, CEO Barnardos / Clíodhna Purdue, Barnardos Online Safety Programme
• 10.20 Webwise, Youth Advisory Panel
• 10.35 An interview with Home School Community Liaison teacher, James Hayden, Balbriggan ETNS
• 10.45 Judith Lyons, Principal Officer, Department of Education (chair of steering committee to update bullying guidance to schools)
• 10.50 Iain Bundred, YouTube Public Policy Manager/ Susan Moss, Tik Tok Public Policy Manager
• 11.05 Panel discussion with representatives from Barnardos, the Tech industry and the Webwise youth panel

Barnardos works for and with vulnerable children in Ireland.

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