In St. Patrick's PS we believe that the Internet and other digital technologies are very powerful resources which can enhance and potentially transform teaching and learning when used effectively and appropriately. The Internet is an essential element of 21st century life for education, business and social interaction. Our school provides pupils with opportunities to use the excellent resources on the Internet, along with developing the skills necessary to access, analyse and evaluate them.

In St. Patrick's we understand the responsibility to educate our pupils and the whole school community in e-Safety issues. We aim to teach appropriate behaviours and critical thinking to enable them to remain both safe and legal when using the internet and related technologies, in and beyond the context of the classroom.

Points for Parents to Consider

It is important to promote Internet Safety in the home and to monitor Internet use.

• Keep the computer/laptop in a communal area of the home.
• Keep mobile devices in a communal area at night time.
• Ask children how the computer works.
• Monitor on-line time and be aware of excessive hours spent on the Internet.
• Take an interest in what children are doing. Discuss with the children what they are seeing and using on the Internet.
• Advise children to take care and to use the Internet in a sensible and responsible manner. Know the SMART tips.
• Discuss the fact that there are websites/apps which are unsuitable.
• Discuss how children should respond to unsuitable materials or requests.
• Remind children never to give out personal information on the Internet.
• Remind children that people on line may not be who they say they are.
• Be vigilant. Ensure that children do not arrange to meet someone they meet on line.
• Be aware that children may be using the Internet in places other than in their own home or at school.
• Be aware that children have internet access on their mobile phone.
• The minimum age for social media apps eg Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok and Instagram is 13, WhatsApp is 16 this is in compliance with the US Children's Online Privacy Protection Act.