February 8th 2022 is Safer Internet Day, an important day in our school calendar. Celebrated very year across the EU and in other countries around the world, Safer Internet Day (SID) promotes the safe and positive use of digital technology, especially among children and young people. In Ireland, Safer Internet Day is promoted by PDST Technology in Education and Webwise, with the theme “Together for a Better Internet”. Along with hundreds of other schools from around Ireland, Scoil Mhuire will be celebrating Safer Internet Day. To mark Safer Internet Day, our school will be holding an Antibullying Week from the 8th – 11th February. Children will engage in online safety lessons as well as learning about other forms of bullying. This week will have a positive focus on friendship and kindness and we will hold an Odd Socks and Mad Hair Day on Friday, 11th February to celebrate the uniqueness of all our pupils. This year for Safer Internet Day, parents are being encouraged to get involved in the #TalkListenLearn campaign which promotes having open and ongoing conversations with children and teenagers about using the internet in a safe and positive way.

The Webwise Topic Generator is a great way to help families start the conversation. It can be accessed at talklistenlearn.webwise.ie. The Webwise Parents Hub also provides practical advice on key online safety topics, videos from parenting, technology, and education experts, along with Talking Points to start a conversation with your child, and Explainer Guides to popular apps and platforms. Visit www.webwise.ie/parents for more information. Along with millions of other people around the world, we hope that you will join us in marking Safer Internet Day 2022 and help to create a safer, better internet. Yours sincerely, Ms. Mc Kiernan (SPHE Coordinator)