Switched On Launch
Online Safety Commissioner Niamh Hodnett has officially launched Switched On, a national digital citizenship programme for 5th and 6th class pupils. Developed by Webwise in collaboration with and supported by Coimisiún na Meán, the programme is designed to help educators teach pupils how to be safe, responsible, and competent digital citizens as they prepare to transition into post-primary education.
The programme was first introduced at St. Joseph’s National School in Bonnybrook, Dublin, where pupils had the opportunity to engage with the new resources. Switched On is now available free to all primary schools across Ireland.
Through a series of interactive modules, Switched On helps pupils develop critical thinking skills and practical strategies for navigating the online world safely and confidently. Key topics include recognising misinformation and disinformation, staying secure online, managing screen time, and protecting personal information and privacy. The programme also explores digital wellbeing, digital footprints, media literacy, and pupils’ rights and responsibilities in digital spaces.
Pupils are encouraged to reflect on how they engage online, whether socialising, learning, creating content, researching, or gaming, and to develop healthy and responsible digital habits. Each module includes classroom resources and take-home materials to encourage conversations between pupils and their parents or guardians about online life, fostering stronger communication and shared understanding.
Speaking about the programme, Online Safety Commissioner Niamh Hodnett said, “Coimisiún na Meán is delighted to support Webwise in delivering the Switched On education programme. It informs primary school children about online safety, their digital footprint, and how to develop healthy habits online, while also prompting discussions with parents and guardians about their online experiences.”
Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton added, “This new digital citizenship programme comes at a critical moment. It provides an age-appropriate introduction to important concepts such as online safety, privacy, digital wellbeing, and media literacy. By equipping learners with the skills to become responsible digital citizens, we are preparing them to thrive in a digital world.”
Jane McGarrigle, National Co-ordinator at Webwise, explained, “Children are spending more time online and accessing digital technologies at younger ages than ever before. Switched On responds to this reality by fostering digital literacy from an early age, helping children benefit from online opportunities while managing the challenges. The programme provides teachers with structured resources to guide pupils in becoming confident, responsible, and empowered digital citizens.”
Teachers are invited to join a free webinar on 24 March at 3.15pm to explore the programme and its classroom materials. More information and access to the full programme is available at https://www.webwise.ie/switchedon/
