Issue Date: 14/09/2025
Monday, 15th September 2025 marks the launch of the National Children First Awareness Week, which will run until 21st of September. The campaign aims to raise awareness of Children First and remind everyone, including organisations and individuals working or volunteering with children and young people, of our collective responsibility to keep them safe in our communities.
The Garda National Protective Services Bureau (GNPSB) is proud to support this, the third annual Children First Awareness Week. This year’s campaign theme is ‘We were all Children once. Now We Are Children First’. It aims to remind everyone in society that safeguarding children is a shared responsibility. Every adult has a role to play in ensuring children are safe, supported and heard in their homes, schools, clubs and communities.
As part of the campaign, the National Child Protection Unit has launched a dedicated child protection webpage on garda.ie. This online resource is designed to assist parents, guardians, children and members of the public who may have child protection concerns, offering clear guidance, practical advice and support on where to turn for help.
The Garda National Protective Services Bureau will also be present at the National Ploughing Championships 2025, where Gardaí will engage directly with members of the public to raise awareness of child safeguarding and highlight the supports available through the Children First campaign.
Detective Chief Superintendent Colm Noonan, Head of the Garda National Protective Services Bureau said: "We must do everything we can to keep our children safe. We must work together, listen together, support together and protect together. Ensuring children are first is the greatest personal and professional achievement any of us will ever make. An Garda Síochána are committed to and will always be committed to Children First. "The campaign is particularly aimed at parents, guardians, youth workers, educators, volunteers, coaches and community leaders, those who interact with children every day and are in position to notice concerns, provide reassurance, seek support and take action when necessary.
"Children First Awareness Week is coordinated nationally and supported by An Garda Síochána, Tusla, the HSE and other key partners. Together, these agencies reaffirm their commitment to ensuring that Ireland is a place where every child is safe, respected and protected from harm,” said Detective Superintendent Noonan.
