Supporting Children and Young People Online
Prepare / Protect / Thrive
This Safer Internet Day we are encouraging parents, schools, educators, young people and stakeholders to reflect on role of influencers and algorithms in children and young people’s lives.
With access so much information online we will explore how to protect and empower them to navigate the opportunities and challenges of these powerful influences.
Parents
Children and teens interact with digital content every day, from videos and social media to news and online ads. Building their digital media literacy is key to helping them navigate the online world safely and confidently.
As a parent, you play a key role in helping your child develop healthy digital practices that empower them to thrive online and offline. Here are some practical tips.
This glossary provides key terms and concepts related to digital media literacy, helping you to better understand how online platforms work, how content is created and shared, and how to critically evaluate what you see online.
Algorithms shape what we see online, from posts to ads, influencing our time and thoughts. This guide helps parents understand their impact and offers tips to support young people.
Talking regularly about online safety helps your child navigate the digital world responsibly. Open conversations create a safe space to share and learn. Use our TalkListenLearn Topic Generator to get started!
Webwise offers free resources to help parents guide their children in the digital world. From screen time and privacy to cyberbullying and social media, find expert advice tailored to families. Access practical tips and easy-to-follow guides today.
Teachers
Access free educational resources designed to help teachers and schools address important online safety and digital literacy topics. These resources include interactive lessons, presentations, and classroom activities for all age groups, covering themes like cyberbullying, digital well-being, privacy, misinformation, and responsible online behaviour. Aligned with the curriculum, the resources are easy to use and adaptable, empowering educators to teach students how to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.
The Online Safety Review Tool is designed to support schools at all stages of the journey in identifying strengths and areas for improvement across key areas: culture and environment; relationships and partnerships; curriculum; and policy, planning, and practice. By highlighting best practice standards, the tool helps schools make gradual, meaningful progress, focusing on small, manageable actions to enhance their overall approach to online safety.
Young People
The internet is central to daily life—great for connecting with people, entertainment and learning but there are also risks like online bullying or harmful content. Ireland’s Online Safety Framework, led by Coimisiún na Meán, helps create a safer online space.
Algorithms help filter the vast amount of online content, making it easier to find what interests you. While they have benefits, they can shape the content you see. Taking steps to broaden your perspective can ensure a more balanced online experience.
Find advice on cyberbullying, online wellbeing, privacy, peer pressure, digital footprints, and more. Get practical tips to navigate online challenges and make the most of digital opportunities.
Reporting
Hotline.ie is the Irish national reporting centre where members of the public can securely, anonymously, and confidentially report concerns in respect of illegal content online
Coimisiún na Meán oversees a complaints system that empowers users to report harmful or illegal content on video-sharing platforms. Platforms must provide accessible tools for users to make complaints, ensuring they are addressed promptly and transparently.
Get Help
Hotline.ie exists to combat the distribution and proliferation of illegal content, like child sexual abuse content.
Phone: 1890 610 710
Email: info@hotline.ie
Childline is a support service for young people up to the age of 18. There is a 24hr telephone, online and mobile phone texting service.
Phone: 1800 66 66 66
Ask a Question
The National Parents Council enables and empowers parents to be effective partners in their children’s education.
Phone: +353 1 887 4477
Email: helpline@npc.ie
