Barnardos provides interactive workshops for children and young people, teachers and parents on internet safety and cyberbullying. The suite of workshops seek to promote ongoing communication between children and adults on online safety.
In September 2019, with support from Google.org, a 4-year online safety programme is being rolled out in schools across the country. Over 4,000 workshops will be held in 1,000 schools, with Google and Barnardos aiming to reach over 75,000 students overall.
As part of the Barnardos / Google partnership, we will be able to deliver our workshops across Ireland, with an emphasis on primary schools. Google’s own Be Internet Legends, a free multifaceted programme designed to teach younger children to use the web safely and wisely, can provide 'before' and 'after' teaching resources and family guides as well as interactive online games.
For more information or to book a workshop please contact our team, onlinesafety@barnardos.ie or phone: 01-4530355
We were delighted with the workshop and the students thoroughly enjoyed it. Thanks for taking the time out to support us in this important endeavour. We would be delighted to work with you in the future on other projects.
Rachel McGrath, Griffeen Community College
Both workshops went off very well. There was very good feedback from both teachers and I could see the children were fully engaged.
Una Kingston, Baltydaniel National School
The feedback was very positive from the parents on the night of the presentation. I think everyone took home the essential message of keeping communications open with their children and it came as a surprise to some of all the possible channels where cyberbullying can take place.
Sonya Burgess, Shillelagh No. 1 National School
Barnardos multi-component programme (children, parents, teachers) equips children and adults with an understanding of why the internet is so brilliant for learning and development but can also expose children to new risks too.
The workshops were developed using Barnardos experience of meeting children and family’s needs across a range of areas e.g. child development, parental capacity and skill development, improving family communication, promoting pro-social behaviour, empowering children by promoting knowledge and skill development, promoting children’s rights, and enhancing parents responsibilities.
We engage the participants in interesting learning activities, building on the key messages. We know there are light-bulb moments when curiosity and awareness levels rise. By promoting communication within families, the programme aims to empower children and parents to create safer online experiences.
Children review their experience of using the internet and develop an awareness of some of the risks it may present to their safety and well-being, and how to manage difficult situations that may arise. Parents consider how their child uses the internet and strategies which support safe use. Teachers receive information based on a whole school approach which promotes inclusivity and reduces the risk of cyberbullying.
Barnardos workshops are based on up-to-date information on child development, and preventing and responding to cyberbullying. The workshops cover the following topics:
Barnardos recruit a panel of trainers to deliver the Barnardos Online Safety Programme. The facilitators are very experienced in working with children, young people, teachers and parents in schools and other group settings. Barnardos trainers are monitored and supported in line with Barnardos training quality assurance framework and provide the programme with the support of Google. Trainers take part in regular CPD meetings and receive relevant up-to-date information to keep abreast of changes in legislation, best practice guidelines and new resources to respond effectively to parents and children’s needs in relation to this every evolving topic.
