At St. Colman’s, we believe that technology is a fantastic tool for learning, creating, and connecting - but only when we use it with our eyes wide open.
As the digital landscape evolves, keeping our young people safe online requires a team effort.
This term, we have taken giant strides forward by bringing together parents, pupils, and staff to level up our digital safeguarding knowledge.
From an inspiring expert-led evening to hands-on digital certifications, here is how our community is working together to build a safer online environment.
💡 Real-World Advice from Online Safety Expert Wayne Denner
We were thrilled to welcome renowned local digital safeguarding expert, author, and speaker Wayne Denner to the school for a parent and carer workshop. Known for his motivational and up to date approach, Wayne provided eye-opening insights into the specific apps, hidden risks and tech trends our children face today.
Wayne reminded us that young people don't just use technology; it is a fundamental part of their future opportunities. His core message? “For young people today, their online profile is their CV - we must motivate them to protect their digital footprint and online reputation.”
Key Takeaways from Wayne Denner’s Workshop:
• Be a Digital Role Model: Our children do what we do, not what we say.
Wayne challenges parents to check their own screen habits, minimise distractions when with the family to set the ultimate example.
• The "No Devices at Sleep Time" Rule: One of Wayne's non-negotiable rules for a healthy home is ensuring that absolutely no devices remain in bedrooms at night. This way children
• Healthy Balance: To prevent going online from becoming a child's default state, encourage a variety of offline hobbies - such as sports, music, arts, and simply going outside. Discuss screen time and healthy breaks.
• Friend and Follow: Wayne advises parents to actively connect with their children on social media platforms to stay involved in their digital lives, while respecting their growing need for age-appropriate privacy.
• Agree on Family Rules Together: Sit down as a family to discuss and agree on screen limits and boundaries. To make it fair and consistent, create rules for the parents too.
📱 Get Certified: The Safer Schools NI Digital Proficiency Courses
To back up Wayne’s expert advice with everyday action, our school has officially launched the Digital Proficiency Courses via the Safer Schools NI app (funded by the Department of Education and developed by the INEQE Safeguarding Group).
Just like "Cycling Proficiency" teaches generations to navigate the physical roads safely, this video-based program teaches our whole school community to navigate the digital highways.
The course focuses on the "5 C’s of Online Risk" (Content, Contact, Conduct, Commerce, and Cyber Security).
A Whole-School Effort
This initiative is uniquely tailored to empower every corner of our school community:
• For Pupils: In the classroom, our students have been engaging with age-appropriate video modules covering everything from artificial intelligence (AI) and age restrictions to recognising online bullying.
• For Staff: Our teachers and school staff are completing advanced safeguarding modules to maintain a unified, protective approach in the classroom.
• For Parents & Carers: The app features a dedicated track just for you, offering short, digestible modules covering hidden in-app purchases, spotting scams, and understanding digital wellbeing.
Earn Your Certificate! Every track ends with a short assessment. Upon completion, you will receive an official Digital Proficiency Certification. By taking part, you help our school track our collective safety knowledge and earn our official "Certified Safer School" status.
How to Get Started - a help sheet has been sent home
If you haven’t downloaded the app yet, it is completely free and available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
1. Download: Search for Safer Schools NI on your smartphone or tablet.
2. Register: Select your role as a Parent/Carer, create a quick account and select our school from the dropdown menu.
3. Learn: Navigate to the "Digital Proficiency Course" section to start your journey.
A huge thank you to Wayne Denner for his fantastic workshop and to all the parents and staff who have already completed their proficiency courses.
Together, we are creating a shared language of online safety between school and home.
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