Donegal Youth Service has launched a new guide for parents and guardians about Internet and device safety.
The guide aims to highlight the dangers of the online world, and offers information and simple practical solutions for any parent or guardian to follow. The official launch of ‘A Parents Guide to Device Safety’ took place on Tuesday the 13th of March in LYIT.
Gareth Gibson, Youth Information Manager and Project Lead said “We are delighted to be able to bring this booklet to parents and guardians across Donegal. As part of our work with CYPSC we had the chance to conduct research a few years ago which highlighted the need for increased awareness among parent in relation Internet Safety. DYS has been facilitating an increased number of parent’s sessions since, during which parents indicated a need for help to set up devices safely and the content of this booklet is in direct response to that request.”
Donegal Youth Service Launch New ‘A Parents Guide to Device Safety’ Booklet
As part of the launch Gareth Gibson and Youth Support Worker Dominic McGlinchey presented some of the information from the guide. Attendees were shocked by statistics, such as 22% of children surveyed were in contact with strangers online, and the level of information apps are collecting about you if you don’t check the permissions settings as soon as you download them.
The launch was attended by CYPSC members, Donegal Youth Service staff, An Garda Siochana, as well as a host of individuals representing other statutory organisations such as Tusla.
(Left to right): Dominic McGlinchey (DYS), Gareth Gibson(DYS) Anne Timony Meehan (CYPSC), AnnMarie McGrath (Community Garda)
Lorraine Thompson (DYS)
The 54 page booklet is a simple, yet comprehensive guide for parents and guardians to ensure young people are safer online. It covers everything from privacy settings on Facebook, email scams, app permissions, to parental controls on the Playstation Network and much more.
You can pick up a free copy of the guide at Donegal Youth Service, 16-18 Port Road Letterkenny.
This is a project of the Safe & Secure Subcommittee of the Donegal Children & Young People’s Services Committee. This project was led by Donegal Youth Service, supported by CYPSC Seed Funding from the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.
The Letterkenny Youth Information Centre at Donegal Youth Service offer a range of age-appropriate workshops and services on Cyberbullying and Internet Safety for young people, parents/guardians and teachers.
Donegal Youth Service is a countywide youth organisation, meeting the needs of young people all over Donegal. For more information you can pop in to 16-18 Port Road, Letterkenny, call 074 91 29630, email admin@donegalyouthservice.ie, visit www.donegalyouthservice.ie and stay up to date with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
