‘Parenting in a Digital World’: Vodafone Foundation in Ireland launches parents’ guide to help keep children safe online

The Vodafone Foundation in Ireland has announced the launch of a new guide for parents and guardians which aims to provide resources to ensure children are kept safe in the digital world.

The ’Parenting in a Digital World’ guide has been designed to empower parents and guardians in navigating the complexities of devices and digital safety. It is available for free, both in Vodafone stores nationwide and online at www.vodafone.ie.

The new resource provides practical advice and insights on key topics such as setting up parental controls, building digital resilience and addressing cyberbullying. Recognising the growing concerns around children’s online activities, the Vodafone Foundation has developed this guide to help parents make informed decisions and take proactive steps to protect their children online.

Key Features of the Guide Include:

—  Advice on building digital resilience to help children cope with negative online experiences.
—  Guidance on navigating cyberbullying: How to recognise the signs and what actions to take if a child is a victim.
—  Tools for safe connectivity: Options for basic phones with limited internet access for children.
—  Partnership resources: Information on additional support available through Vodafone’s partnerships with the ISPCC and —  Dublin City University Anti-Bullying Centre.
—  Step-by-Step instructions on how to use parental controls and the Vodafone Secure Net app to manage a child’s online experience.

Speaking about the new parents’ guide, Head of the Vodafone Foundation, Liz Roche said: “Connectivity brings many benefits. Yet, we know that the decision as to when a child is ready to access the digital world on their own devices can be a difficult one.

Our parents’ guide is designed to make it easier for parents and guardians to manage their child’s online activities while fostering a safe and positive digital environment. Whether it’s understanding the importance of digital resilience for their child or learning how to set up parental controls, this guide has everything parents need to feel confident about their child’s online safety.”

ISPCC Childline Chief Executive John Church said “ISPCC is delighted to support the Vodafone Foundation in Ireland as it launches this timely guide for parents to keep their children safe online.

The online landscape is ever-changing, and that’s a scary prospect for even the most tech-savvy of parents. The pressure on young people is ever present. This guide will be an extremely useful resource for parents wanting to equip their children with the necessary skills to navigate the online world safely.

At the ISPCC we are proud to partner with the Vodafone Foundation as we strive to support parents to ensure that children and young people have positive experiences online.”

The Tozi app – An additional online resource for children:

The Vodafone Foundation has also reminded parents and guardians that among the resources available to them is the Tozi App which helps children understand the impact their digital lives may be having on their mental wellbeing.

In partnership with Dublin City University’s Anti-Bullying Centre and the ISPCC, the Tozi App offers support for children and young people by educating them on how to be safe and well online, while offering instant support if they need it. The Tozi app is available for free download and usage from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.