Dear Parents/Guardians,
Over the past few weeks the school has become aware that some children in our senior classes have been involved in regular contact with each other using various methods of information technology such as mobile phones and the internet. While these methods of communicating are part of the modern world they also present challenges to families and schools to monitor that the communication is suitable and appropriate
Part of the challenge is that our children are growing up and as they develop in maturity they seek new avenues in which to communicate privately outside the direct view of the adults in their lives. The internet and text messaging provide that avenue. However as parents we know that our children still require supervision and support to cope with the challenges ahead. We must ask ourselves if we know who our children are communicating with through cyberspace and what sort of messages they are receiving or sending.
Within school we have an Acceptable Use Policy governing how the internet is used during the school day and suitable tracking software to block inappropriate web content. We also have rules regarding mobile phones. No child may use a mobile phone during school hours and all phones must be powered off until they leave the premises.
We would ask that parents consider chatting with their children and devise a set of ground rules for the use of mobile phones and the internet at home. Such guidelines might include:
- Communicate with your child the responsibility and privilege of having and keeping a mobile phone/ using the internet
- Set limitations and boundaries re use
- Establish rules around phone use at night
- Agree steps your child will take if sent a message which makes them uneasy. We suggest the following:
Don't reply, 2. Keep the message, 3. Tell an adult you trust, 4. Block the sender
- Agree system when your child is sending a text/ email or cyber message - ask the question 'Is the text/ message you are sending a text you would like to receive?'
- Discuss the possibility with your child of blocking their phone so it can only receive messages from a limited number of phones
- Set up the computer in a room where internet use can be supervised
- Set up filter systems or tracking software on family computers which limit the communication which can be received
- Register as a contact on your child's phone. Mobile phone operators in Ireland provide a dual access service allowing parents access their child's phone records.
Our children are growing up in an ever changing, challenging and exciting world. Cyberspace provides such excitement and challenges. As a school and parents with our children's best interests at heart it is vital that we work closely with them to ensure that they can tackle these challenges successfully. This means we must inform ourselves regarding their usage of all methods of ICT. Websites such as webwise.ie and ncte.ie give parents useful tips regarding sensible ICT usage.
Thank you for taking the time to consider this issue and please contact the school if you have concerns following any discussion you might have with your child. As parents and teachers we are working together to ensure that all our children come to school happy.
Regards,
Paul Comiskey.
Principal.
