PICTURES: County Limerick school hosts Safer Internet Week

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Coláiste Íde agus Iosef (CII) proudly hosted its first Safer Internet Week, based on the
Webwise theme “AI Aware: Safe, Smart and in Control.” The week focused on empowering students
with the critical thinking and digital literacy skills needed to evaluate online content, recognise bias,
protect their privacy and make responsible decisions in their online lives.
A wide range of events, discussions and competitions took place throughout the school. First Year
students recently completed the Managing My Digital Life module in SPHE, created by Mr Ryan
Kennelly and Mrs Karen Meade. As part of Safer Internet Week, Mr Kennelly and Mrs Meade also
developed an information booklet for parents outlining the key principles of safer internet use and
offering practical guidance to help families support safe and responsible online behaviour at home.
The Digital Leaders team : Mr Robert Culhane, Mrs Karen Meade, Mr Ryan Kennelly and Mr
Diarmuid O’Connell, along with a team of teachers, organised activities based on surveys carried out
to gather data on students’ and staff members’ internet use and understanding of online safety. This
data informed many of the week’s competitions and discussions.
Each day, the popular “Stats in a Jar” competition challenged students to estimate statistics relating
to phone and internet usage. At lunchtime, a real-life Kahoot quiz encouraged students to step away
from their devices and enjoy games together in person, reinforcing the message that balance is key.
Across SPHE, Digital Media, Computer Studies, CSPE and Social Education classes, students engaged
in classroom-based activities and meaningful discussions on topics such as The Social Dilemma
documentary and the under-16 social media ban in Australia. These conversations highlighted the
impact of social media algorithms, screen time and online responsibility.
Each morning at assembly, Student Council representatives delivered a message linked to the theme
of the day, encouraging students to reflect on how they could be safe, smart and in control online.
On Thursday, Garda Claire O’Mahony addressed First and Second Year students, speaking about
online safety and outlining the real-life consequences of unsafe internet use.
Staff members also got involved in the week’s activities, with a lively interdepartmental darts
competition taking place during break times. Questions based on survey data added an educational
twist, and the French department emerged victorious in Friday’s final against Principal Liam Murphy
and Deputy Principal Mike Cross.
Overall, the week was a fantastic success and highlighted the strong awareness among students of
the importance of protecting themselves online. Congratulations to all competition winners, and
sincere thanks to school management and the Digital Leaders team for organising such a worthwhile
and engaging event.