Be Kind Online

The Garda Schools Programme Be Kind Online lesson, developed in partnership with Webwise, is designed to enable 3rd and 4th class pupils to understand what cyberbullying is, how it can hurt someone and how it can be prevented.

This page has all the materials needed for Gardaí to deliver the lesson, including the lesson handbook, supporting animations, worksheets, and presentations.

Be Kind Online Lessons

Lesson 1

Key Messages

Pupils should be enabled to understand
– What cyberbullying is
– How cyberbullying can hurt someone
– That cyberbullying is always wrong
– How their actions, inaction and responses to what others post online can contribute to cyberbullying, whether consciously or inadvertently
– What they could do to prevent cyberbullying happening to themselves and others

Resources needed

– PowerPoint presentation (see below)
– Be Kind Online Animation: Áine’s Story (both available at webwise.ie/bekindonline or garda.ie)

Important information

– Preparation is required before delivering the lesson. Use the checklist inside the booklet (p.4) to help prepare for the talk.
– It is advisable to read the guidelines and meet with the school before delivering this lesson (See p.6-8).
– Before delivering this lesson, it is advisable that you familiarise yourself with the school Child Safeguarding Statement, Anti-Bullying Policy and the guidelines on dealing with a disclosure outlined on p.8 of the How to use this resource section.
– Pupils should complete Worksheet 1 before the first lesson.

Discussion Guidelines

Discussion guidelines:

When discussing bullying / cyberbullying in the classroom, encourage the pupils to talk in general terms and not to name or identify other individualse.g. using words like:
“Someone might … and this could cause a person to feel …”“Sometimes a person could ……
Pupils should be encouraged to justify their comments and responses e.g. “I think this because…”
Justifying and explaining points of view will enable other children to gain a better understanding of the thinking and reasoning processes that are taking place.

Lesson 2

Key Messages

Pupils should be enabled to
a. Build on their understanding of
– How cyberbullying happens and that cyberbullying is always wrong
– How cyberbullying can hurt someone
– How they can contribute to cyberbullying through their action, inaction and responses to what others post online
b. Develop strategies to keep themselves and others safe online

c. Understand the importance of telling if they or someone they know is cyberbullied

d. Understand the role the Gardaí have in dealing with cyberbullying

Resources needed

– Be Kind Online PowerPoint Presentation available at webwise.ie/bekindonline or on garda.ie
– Video: Donal’s Story available to watch at www.webwise.ie/bekindonline
– Worksheet 2 – Take home activity to be given to pupils at the end of the lesson
– Appendix 3 – Be Kind Online Colouring Template
– Be Kind Online Class Agreement

Scripted Be Kind Online Presentations

Be Kind Online Presentation – Lesson 1

Download Presentation

Be Kind Online Presentation – Lesson 2

Download Presentation

Be Kind Online Animations

Be Kind Online – Garda Primary Schools Programme – Áine’s Story

Áine’s Story

Be Kind Online – Garda Primary Schools Programme – Donal’s Story

Donal’s Story

Parent Resources

Online Safety Talk for Parents

Members of the Garda Síochána can use the Webwise Parents Presentations to host parent internet safety evenings. The information included in the presentations covers key topics for parents including social media, screen time, cyber-bullying, image-sharing and features expert advice and support. Presentations for primary and post-primary…

Parent Talks

Webwise Parents Hub

Webwise provides a range of supports available for parents including expert advice videos, explainer
guides, talking points, free resources and checklists. Remind schools about the Webwise Parents Hub, offering free advice and resources for parents on a range of online safety topics and issues available at webwise.ie/parents

Visit Webwise Parents

Teaching Resources

The Garda Schools Programme lessons should complement school engagement on the topic of online safety. Remind teachers of the FREE resources available on webwise.ie to support additional lessons on the topic.

Get Resources