Internet Safety Talk

On Thursday 5th of March last, the 5th and 6th class students had a visit from the Gardaí from Bandon Garda Station to talk about staying safe online. Garda Michael Dolan spoke about the age of criminal responsibility, which means the age at which you are held accountable for anything you post online. In most cases it is 12 years of age, but for more serious crimes it is as young as 10.

He spoke a bit about online gaming, and the increase that they are seeing in children abusing each other online in recent years on platforms such as Roblox. He reminded us of the importance of knowing how to block and report someone online, and also reiterated that nothing once posted online can ever be fully deleted. On social media items can always be retrieved even after being deleted, so it is imperative that we stop and think before we post. He stressed that if we experience cyberbullying that it is really important to take a screenshot first, and then block and report it. 

The Gardaí gave each person in 5th and 6th class a sheet called a 'Family Contract for Online Safety Kids' Pledge' and suggested that we chat to our families at home about the advice it contains to help keep us safe online.

Thanks so much to the Gardaí in Bandon Garda Station for talking the time to come speak to Ballyheada school about internet safety.