Internet Safety Day took place this week.   Lessons on Cyber Bullying & using the internet safely were carried out in the school.   A recent survey found that 4 out of 5 eight year olds have a device which gives them internet access.    40% of 10 year olds are talking to strangers online.    15% of this cohort do so every day.    10% spend more than 4 hours per day online.   More than 1/3 of 8 year olds never talk to their parents about online safety.    Many parents are not aware that strangers can access children through online games such as Minecraft, Fortnite etc. with a view to grooming them.    While technology & the internet have many positives – indeed the positives outweigh the negatives – it is important to remember that the internet poses risks as well as opportunities.   Contact with strangers, access to porn, extreme violence & self harming content are some risks that are associated with the internet.   Parents need to talk with their child to equip them with knowledge to have safe experiences online. A useful website to help parents in this regard is www.webwise.ie/parents/ I also have helpful tips for parents on display in the school corridor on a display board.