Launch of Respectful Online Communication Programme on 6/2/2012
Commissioners Speech at Launch
Garda Commissioner, Martin Callinan launches new Respectful Online Communication programme at St. Brigid's National School, Haddington Road, Dublin 4.
On 6 February 2012, Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan launched the ‘Respectful Online Communication’ programme at St. Brigid’s National School, Haddington Road, Dublin 4. The launch coincided with the launch of the Webwise Primary School Programme, developed by Webwise and Stay Safe.
The launch was attended by Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald TD, and Internet Safety Coordinator in the National Centre of Technology in Education (NCTE), Simon Grehan.
The new Garda initiative forms part of the overall Garda Primary Schools Programme which is a comprehensive education programme for 5th class pupils in Primary Schools throughout the country. It promotes sensible and responsible behaviour and fosters a positive attitude towards the Gardaí. It achieves this through visiting the class room and engaging in discussion with the students.
The new initiative addresses the personal safety that arises through communicating using new media. It recognises the challenges that children and young people face in modern society, particularly when using new technologies. It aims to foster a sense of care and respect for others online or when using mobile phones and to equip children with the skills to deal effectively with cyber bullying. It aims to enhance the social skills of communication, cooperation and conflict resolution.
To read the speech made by Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan please click on right