10 ways to get involved in Safer Internet Day 2019

1. Invite the Gardai in for a #BeInCtrl talk in your school

The Garda Secondary Schools Programme provides information to young people on personal safety and substance use. It achieves this through visiting the classroom and engaging in discussions with the students. The Garda Schools Programme is an integrated part of the Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) Programme. A possible precursor to using this resource is to have the Gardaí deliver lesson one, and the "#BeInCtrl talk" as part of the Garda Schools Programme. The #BeInCtrl resource focuses on online sexual coercion and extortion, also known as "sextortion" or "webcam blackmail". Talks can also be organised for primary school students. Find out more about the Garda Schools Programme here.

2. Host a parents evening

Use our free Webwise Internet Safety Talk for Parents. Webwise provides supports to help parents talk with confidence to their children about the benefits and risks of the online environment. The Webwise Parents Presentation is designed to assist schools who wish to host parent internet safety evenings. We have comprehensive presentations available for both primary and secondary levels. The information included in the presentations covers key topics for parents including social media, screen time, cyber-bullying, image-sharing and features expert advice and support. You can also give parents access to our Parents Hub here.

3. Run a poster competition in your school

Counter cyberbullying with a positive messages campaign. Create colourful anti-bullying posters or an uplifting thoughts notice board using the #Up2Us interactive poster making kit. The #Up2Us handbook, including kit, is available free to order or download at www.webwise.ie/teachers/resources/.

4. Start a conversation in your school about consent and victim blaming using the Lockers resource

The Post-Primary resource Lockers deals with the issue of sexting, victim blaming and the sharing of explicit images. It also has a relevant information booklet for school leaders on how to deal with the issue in schools. Why not try Worksheet 3.1: Dear Bronagh, an extract from ‘Asking for it' by author Louise O'Neill.

5. Do a challenge

THE PHOTO from PDST Technology in Education

Play this short cartoon to show how photo-sharing can quickly get out of hand. Then, have students use calculators or a pen and paper to complete the Going Viral worksheet. This activity shows how, within minutes, a photo can be shared with thousands of people online. The MySelfie handbook (containing the Going Viral worksheet) is available for free to order or download at www.webwise.ie/teachers/resources/.

6. Debate the issues

Hold a walking debate around issues relating to internet safety and photo sharing. Read out motions and have students show whether they agree or disagree with the statement by standing under the appropriate signs. Here are some suggested motions you could use:

• Images shared online are just as permanent as tattoos
• The owner of a photo posted online is the person who took it and not the subject of the photo
• People should be free to post whatever they decide online

Ask some people to explain why they chose a particular side and give people the freedom to change sides if they are convinced by other people's arguments. We have created a lesson plan on debates here.

7. Don't forget to share your Safer Internet Day activities on social media using #BeInCtrl and #SID2019

Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. You could be in with a chance of winning our SID 2019 competition. Please check back for details soon. Visit our dedicated page for news and ideas.

8. Watch an internet safety video

#BeInCtrl - A Short Film on Online Grooming from PDST Technology in Education

Webwise has created a number of videos that cover a variety of internet safety topics. Videos can be viewed here. These are a good starter for conversations on safe online communication and practices.

9. Order your free SID Wristbands

Go to webwise.ie/news/share-your-sid-plans/ to share your plans for Safer Internet Day and receive your free Safer Internet Day wristbands for all your participants. Your school, club or organisation will also get featured on our event map. Get your school on our map! Stocks are limited so register soon!

10. Have fun and enjoy celebrating Safer Internet Day with over 135 other countries

Why not see what other countries are doing across the world by visiting www.saferinternetday.org. Browse what other countries are doing to celebrate Safer Internet Day. Did you over 135 countries take part all across the globe, from Australia to Zimbabwe?

Find out more information about the work of the Irish Safer Internet Centre (SIC) generally, including its awareness raising, hotline and youth participation services, or find similar information for Safer Internet Centres throughout Europe.

This article was written and published by the Irish SIC and is published here with permission. Read the original article on the website of the Irish SIC.