Online Safety Commissioner Niamh Hodnett has recently launched Switched On, a new national digital citizenship programme for 5th and 6th class pupils.
Navigating the online world is now a core life skill for young people and schools play a vital role in shaping how children engage with it. The Switched On Programme is a dedicated resource designed to help educators bring digital citizenship into the classroom in a structured and practical way.
The programme focuses on three pillars: helping pupils be safe, responsible, and competent online. Rather than leaving teachers to piece together resources themselves, Switched On provides everything needed in one place.
Developed by Webwise with support from Coimisiún na Meán, the Switched On Programme aims to help educators teach students to become safe, responsible, and skilled digital citizens as they transition to post-primary education.
This resource aids schools in providing pupils with the necessary knowledge, skills, and confidence to navigate the digital landscape safely, responsibly, and critically. Each module features take-home materials designed to foster meaningful discussions between children and parents or guardians about online life, thereby strengthening communication and mutual understanding.
The resource includes the following:
Step-by-step lesson support tailored for 5th and 6th class.
An interactive platform with pupil-facing activities and resources.
A recorded teacher information session from the programme launch, now available to view online.
Switched On Programme provides teachers with a structured resource to guide pupils in becoming confident, responsible, and empowered digital citizens, ensuring they are well prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the digital world.
