Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 October 2019
178. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to address cyberbullying in schools; if new measures will be brought forward in the context of the Education (Student and Parent Charter) Bill 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41629/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra179. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to address the use of Internet enabled devices in schools; if new measures will be brought forward in the context of the Education (Student and Parent Charter) Bill 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41630/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 178 and 179 together.
I published the Education (Student and Parent Charter) Bill 2019 last month and it completed Second Stage in the Seanad on 2 October.
The overall aim of the legislation is to improve the level of engagement between schools and students and their parents by inviting feedback, comment and observations from students and parents and by developing a listening culture in the school. Under the legislation each school is required to prepare, publish and implement a Student and Parent Charter in accordance with national guidelines to be published by the Minister after consultation with the education partners.
Decisions regarding the use and deployment of digital technology in schools is a matter for the Board of Management of each school. Circular 0038/2018, which issued to all schools last year, requires schools to consult with teachers, student and parents in the development of policy around the use of digital devices in school. This consultation requirement will be underpinned in law once the Parents and Students Charter Bill is enacted.
It is important for schools, in conjunction with parents to retain local autonomy for decisions on the use of digital technology, including tablet devices, laptops, and learning platforms and how to manage their integration into classroom practice based on their own particular context and needs.
While recognising the potential benefits associated with the use of digital technology, to enhance teaching and learning, as set out in the Digital Strategy for Schools, it is also very important that we continue to work together to raise awareness to the risks and provide support to teachers, students and parents in developing their awareness to combat any risks associated with the use of the internet.
The Digital Learning Framework, which is in its second year of dissemination to schools, provides clarity for school leaders and education providers on how to create a shared vision for the effective use of digital technologies in teaching and learning. The dissemination of the Framework is accompanied by an extensive CPD programme provided by my Department’s teacher support service, the PDST. This includes guidance for schools on how to develop a digital learning plan and complements School Self Evaluation planning processes.
The Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST) and its Technology in Education team offers advice to schools on the use of digital technology in education with wide range of information available on its website on the use of devices and offers support to schools on teaching, learning and assessment, to facilitate students' active learning and collaboration. Specific items for consideration including software and hardware requirements, purchasing regulations, are addressed in this support information.
As regards online safety, there are extensive training and curricular supports available, including through the Social Personal Health Education (SPHE) curriculum and the Framework for Junior Cycle and the Webwise Programme to assist schools in the development of policies and practices on the safe use of the internet and to promote students’ mental, emotional, social and physical wellbeing. This includes supports on the development of an Accepted Usage Policy (AUP) in schools and on prevention of bullying and harassment using the internet. The Webwise Team have developed (and consistently update) a Teachers Hub; A Parents Hub and a Youth Hub which includes resources to tackle issues such as cyberbullying, image sharing and online coercion and extortion. Its most recent resource HTLM Heroes is targeted at primary school children and was developed to assist and support educators when teaching students about the safe and responsible uses of the internet. HTML Heroes will be taught as part of Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) curriculum.
The Action Plan on Bullying sets out my Department's approach to tackling bullying in schools. These actions focus on support for schools, teacher training, research and awareness raising and aim to ensure that all forms of bullying, including cyberbullying, are addressed. As part of the implementation of the Action Plan the National Anti-Bullying Procedures for Primary and Post Primary school, were published and are being implemented by all primary and post primary schools in the country. Under the procedures the prevention of bullying must be an integral part of the written anti-bullying policy of every school and must outline the specific education and prevention strategies to be implemented by the school. This must include documenting the measures being taken by the school to explicitly address the issues of cyber-bullying as well as other explicit forms of bullying.
Arising from the Action Plan my Department also funds a number of awareness raising initiatives, including the provision of anti-bullying training for parents to enable them to assist their children when issues of bullying arise. Funding is also provided to the National Anti-Bullying Research and Resource Centre (ABC) to carry out research into all forms of bullying and towards the ongoing maintenance and development of the national anti-bullying website www.tacklebullying.ie, which provides a single point of information and support for young people, parents and teachers affected by bullying.
The PDST has a dedicated Health and Wellbeing team comprising 22 full time personnel. This team supports teachers and schools, through the Social Personal Health Education (SPHE) curriculum to develop and promote the personal development, health and wellbeing of the student; to create a positive school environment and culture; and to prevent and tackle bullying including online bullying and harassment.
The Government’s Online Safety Hub, a single online access point www.gov.ie/besafeonline provides links to a wide range of online safety resources and information for parents, teachers, young people and the general population from the six key Government Departments responsible for the implementation of the Government's Action Plan on Online Safety.
