" Switcher.ie. have provided some resources to mark Safer Internet Day and this year’s theme is about empowering young people to Prepare, Protect / Thrive: Navigating Algorithms and Influencers.

The link to the new 2025 guide is here - https://switcher.ie/broadband/guides/how-to-keep-your-children-safe-online/ -  to help parents and children who may need some extra support.

Excessive internet use is spiralling, with most young people now constantly online: recent CSO figures reveal that nearly 8 in 10 are on the internet almost all day, every day.

The AI era has well and truly arrived, too, ushering in a host of unseen dangers for our children, from smarter, AI-powered online grooming to deepfakes: AI-generated, explicit photos that bring cyberbullying to an entirely new level. 

Coupled with powerful social media algorithms serving teenagers with high levels of harmful content, it’s never been more important to recognise the risks and keep children safe online.

Switcher.ie’s comprehensive guide includes things like: 

• Keeping on top of new, potential online risks 

• The 4 biggest dangers of Artificial Intelligence

• The best parental control apps right now & prices

• How to reduce the risks and keep children safe  

Revealed: 8 tips to protect children online, from AI dangers to toxic social media content 

1. Recognise new risks: The internet is changing rapidly, posing new dangers to teenagers and children. It’s important to know what AI tools and websites your children may be using and be aware of risks such as toxic social algorithms, doxxing, deepfake, and AI-powered online grooming. 

1. Brush up on AI: With the advent of AI comes a host of new tools and terminologies. Staying abreast of evolving apps, phrases and risks - from ChatGPT to DeepSeek, AI algorithms and AI bias - will mean you’re better equipped to protect your child from potential pitfalls.

1. Discover the best parental control apps:  Parental control apps allow you to monitor and restrict your child’s internet and phone use across multiple devices. The best ones offer features like screen time and call/texting limitations, website and app blocking, location tracking and harmful search restrictions. Take time to research features and pricing across each app to find one that best suits your needs. 

1. Set screen time boundaries: Excessive internet use by children can impact their well-being and behaviour. As 80% of our young now spend almost all day online, explaining and setting clear boundaries is important. Use parental control apps to set screen time or device limitations or filter by website so children can access educational sites but not social media. 

1. Set social restrictions: New research by the Dublin City University anti-bullying centre in 2024 revealed that high levels of harmful content - from toxic masculinity to misogyny - were being served to teenage boys across TikTok and YouTube.  Fortunately, each social media platform has privacy settings and safety tips for 

parents. Check them out before you let children have their accounts. 

1. Be clear on do's and don'ts:  Be clear about the non-negotiables.  For example, teach your child not to share personal details or photos with strangers and instruct them not to click links to unknown websites or texts. Do encourage your child to question what they see and only accept friend requests from people they know.

1. Protect against viruses: Install antivirus software on family devices to minimise the risk of cyber attacks or scams. Use two-factor authentication (2FA) for extra security on your online accounts. This can also stop children from signing into services they're not allowed to use.

1. Be open and supportive: Let your children know you’re on hand for advice should they need it. Creating a relaxed, positive environment helps build trust and means you won’t be left in the dark should any issues arise. 

There are some great resources like Webwise.ie, internetmatters.org, and Cybersafekids.ie, which can help you recognise and reduce online dangers and seek advice if you think your child is experiencing cyberbullying or is at risk online."

Well done to 5D and their teacher Ms O Flaherty for running a successful fundraiser for Pieta House. 

Students prepared and sold hot chocolate during their lunch breaks for a number of days raising €348.40 for Pieta House. 

Students showed great commitment throughout this fundraiser and gave it a fantastic effort. 

Well done all!

Ms Mills

5th Year students enjoyed a trip to a local coffee shop today during their Irish class as a little reward for continuing their hard work here in school while some of their classmates have been enjoying their Skiing trip.

Well done 5th years - keep up the great efforts being made.

Thank you to the Irish teachers for organising this surprise treat. 

Ms Mills 

We had a lovely Chat and Connect session this morning with our 5th year students during their RE class. 

Students enjoyed a hot drink and some nice sweet treats. 

It was lovely to give the students time to chat and enjoy each others company. 

Looking forward to more of these sessions in the year ahead. 

Thank you to the 5th year RE teachers for organising this. 

Ms Mills. 

We returned to school today after a memorable three-day Erasmus+ experience at the Model United Nations conference in Belgium. Our students, Aoibhe, Eleanor and Sam performed exceptionally well, demonstrating strong diplomacy, critical thinking, and public speaking skills. We congratulate Sam Moussoulides for his outstanding achievement of winning the overall prize for Best Delegate in the General Assembly, among no less than 110 delegates from 12 countries. The competition was intense, but our team’s preparation and dedication truly paid off. A big thank you to Ms. Thorpe, our debating teacher, who assisted the students with their position papers and research in the weeks leading up to the event. We returned home with big smiles, proud of our achievements and the valuable lessons we learned. This experience not only strengthened our confidence but also deepened our understanding of global issues and the importance of  international cooperation. We are very grateful to the Erasmus programme and EU funding for making our participation in the conference possible. If you would like to see some of the highlights and key moments from the event, please click on the link,https://padlet.com/maryquinto/Namum