Respectful Online Communication Programme: An Garda Síochána

Garda Daniel Cowman, based in Douglas, will visit Scoil Niocláis on Tuesday 5^th November 2013. He will speak to all our 6^th class pupils.

This Garda initiative forms part of the overall Garda Primary Schools Programme which is a comprehensive education programme for senior pupils in Primary Schools throughout the country. It promotes sensible and responsible behaviour and fosters a positive attitude towards the Gardaí. It achieves this through visiting the class room and engaging in discussion with the students.

The new initiative addresses the personal safety that arises through communicating using new media. It recognises the challenges that children and young people face in modern society, particularly when using new technologies. It aims to foster a sense of care and respect for others online or when using mobile phones and to equip children with the skills to deal effectively with cyber bullying. It aims to enhance the social skills of communication, cooperation and conflict resolution.