Building Better Online Habits
School/Organisation Name: St. Paul’s Primary School
School/Organisation Address: Abbeylands, Navan, Co. Meath.
Tell us your plans for Safer Internet Day: 2nd/3rd/4th Classes: Digital Detectives Workshop
Pupils work in small groups to investigate realistic online scenarios such as receiving a suspicious message, seeing an unkind comment, or being asked to share a photo. They decide what signals suggest something is unsafe and what actions should follow. This would support critical thinking and helps children practise pausing before responding online.
My Digital Footprint Activity
Children explore how online actions leave traces by mapping fictional characters’ online choices over time. They discuss how posts, likes, and comments can shape how others see you. This is particularly effective for promoting long term thinking and self regulation rather than fear based messaging.
Kindness Online Challenge
Classes take part in a short, structured challenge where they identify positive online behaviours such as supportive comments, respectful gaming chat, or reporting unkind behaviour. This reframes online safety as something proactive and values based, not just about avoiding danger.
Q and A Session
Pupils prepare anonymous questions in advance about online games, social media, or worries they may have. Teachers can answer these question for everyone to hear. Questions will be responded to in a calm, non judgemental way. This builds trust and reinforces the message that adults are a safe support.
Class Debates for 5th/6th Classes
Debate motions will be framed to encourage balanced discussion, ethical reasoning, and practical thinking about online safety rather than winning an argument. eg: Posting photos online should always need an adult’s permission or Screen time rules help children stay safe online
Poster Competition/Agreement:
Each class co constructs a short, child friendly agreement outlining how they want to behave online, including in games, group chats, and school platforms. This will be displayed and revisited throughout the year, helping Safer Internet Day lead to sustained behavioural change rather than a once off event.
Number of Participants: 500
