Social media and the internet can be the most valuable tools of modern life – if they are used in a safe manner. As we all know, the dangers associated with the internet pose a major threat to our kids, and recent reports in particular have proven that increased security and awareness is vital as part of their education.
Parents all over the country will no doubt be glad to hear that new guidelines are being introduced to secondary schools this week, to tackle the ever-growing issue of ‘sexting’ among secondary school students.
Sexting is the phrase reserved for the sending of text messages and media content of a sexual nature.
According to the Irish Independent, a new resource called Lockers has been rolled out to equip secondary school teachers and students alike for dealing with and preventing sexting incidents. While few details about the programme have been released, it has been confirmed that the new resource will be included as part of the Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) curriculum.
The Department of Education will be taking a two-pronged approach to the sexting issue, with a similar programme reported to be implemented in primary schools. This programme, created by CyberSafeIreland, will inform parents and kids aged nine to 13 on how to use the internet in a safe manner as well as how to report abuse.
It’s no coincidence that these programmes are being rolled out just weeks after a shocking report from University College Dublin, whereby female students claimed to have been victims of a ‘revenge porn campaign'.
In the latest update to the story, sources say that sexual consent workshops are being introduced at the University, and they could become mandatory for all students.
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