Garda Alan Walsh and Garda Laura Sheridan, from the Juvenile Liaison Office (JLO) Santry, recently visited Our Lady of Mercy College Beaumont to reinforce online safety awareness among students of all year groups.
Accompanied by School Internet Safety Ambassadors Emma Hill and Alex Raynor, the Gardaí shared vital tips and advice during their talk held in the school library. Topics such as cyberbullying, privacy settings, and the risks of sharing personal information online were discussed, capturing the students’ attention.
Emma and Alex, having carried out in-depth surveys on internet usage and experience, used this opportunity to present their survey findings from Internet Safety Week. They actively led discussions and voiced concerns on their peers’ behalf. This collaborative effort contributed to a more comprehensive understanding of internet safety among the student body.
Feedback from students indicated a heightened sense of awareness and confidence in navigating online platforms safely. Deputy Principal Ms. Howard extended gratitude to Garda Walsh and Officer Sheridan, underlining the importance of responsible digital citizenship.
The visit served as a valuable opportunity for students to acquire essential skills for online navigation. With upcoming campaigns dedicated to reinforcing this message, the school is poised to foster a safer digital environment. Workshops and online training are being organised for the students to ensure a secure digital future for all.