New HTML Heroes 1st and 2nd Class Online Safety Programme is Launched

“To best equip children and young people to make the most of the internet, we need to begin from an early age, like road safety, children need to know the basics of accessing the internet, how to use it effectively and safely, and to know what to do if something goes wrong and where to get help and assistance. It is my hope that this new programme from Webwise will help teachers and school staff build these foundations with pupils in an age-appropriate manner. Through colourful illustrations, stories and an online safety code that reinforces key safety messages the new HTML Heroes Programme for 1^st and 2^nd class is an excellent starting point for children.” – Minister for Education Norma Foley TD.

The HTML Heroes Programme has been designed for teachers of 1st and 2nd Class to introduce pupils to the first steps of accessing and using the internet in a safe and responsible manner.

The resource has five lessons that can be explored separately or delivered as a whole unit. The lessons explore using the internet safely, communicating online, playing and learning online, getting help and support. Through five short illustrated stories pupils will learn the basic skills for being safe and secure online, including why it is essential to STOP, THINK, CHECK when accessing the digital world. The five lessons in the resource provide opportunities to engage with digital technology and highlight the benefits and opportunities the internet brings while also equipping pupils with the skills to safely navigate the digital world. The programme concludes with an animated online safety code song.

The new programme can be accessed here, and hard copies of the HTML Heroes Teacher Handbook and Storybook are also available to order for free.

At the launch, Ciara O’Donnell, National Director, Professional Development Service for Teachers, said:

“Children have the right to enjoy childhood online, to access safe online spaces, and to benefit from all the opportunities that a connected world can provide, as appropriate to their age and stage. In the same way we introduce children to road safety through the safe cross code, this programme is designed to guide children and young people through the first steps of online engagement and reinforce key safety messages while also promoting the benefits of the internet.”

To celebrate the launch of the HTML Heroes Welcome to the Internet, we are running a fantastic competition to win a digital device for your primary school!

Competition details and full Terms and Conditions can be found here.