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Tony Hanway, CEO Virgin Media Ireland; Áine lynch, CEO National Parents Council (Primary) and Minister O’Sullivan with Jackson Kaneswaran and Sara Dunne

Education Minister Jan O'Sullivan today announced a new initiative urging parents to keep their children safe online. 

The initiative will see Virgin Media and the National Parents Council (NPC) co-sponsor a series of Internet Safety classes to be delivered nationwide over the next three years to parents of primary schoolchildren.

The NPC has developed a programme to update parents on the latest Internet trends and how to keep children safe online, which will educate parents about online developments and encourage dialogue between parents and children on appropriate use of the Internet. Seminars will be available to parents free of charge and will be delivered in primary schools and selected public venues across the country from next year.

Some of the tips for keeping children safe online include: 

• Talk to your child about what they do on the internet – What sites they are interested in, what games they enjoy
• Get informed, read up on Internet safety issues from trusted sources
• Ask your child to show you their favourite sites
• Know how many ways your child has access to the internet – phone, tablets, X Box, Smart TV or any web enabled device
• Do things online together

Minister O'Sullivan said: 

Technology and use of the Internet is embedded in all aspects of our lives, and is bringing our society new advantages and solutions every day. Together with the web, technology can be used as a very effective learning tool, bringing learning to life in a fun and creative way. However, it is imperative that we ensure children are aware of the risks associated with using the Internet. The Three Year Internet Safety Drive will ensure that parents are equipped with the necessary information to safeguard their children online.