Safer Screens Start Here: 10 Online Safety Rules Shaped by Young People in Clare
A Youth-Led Mental Health & Digital Wellbeing Initiative
SICAP | Clare Local Development Company | Ennis
Ten Golden Rules for Online Safety
A team of Transition Year students from Ennis worked together to create this educational video with practical tips for healthy smartphone and social media use.
Project
Snapshot
- Programme: SICAP (Social Inclusion & Community Activation Programme)
- Location: Ennis, Co. Clare
- Participants: 12 TY students
- Enagement: 150+ young people consulted
- Partners: Ennis CFSN, Tusla PPFS, Schools
- Recognation: Garda Youth Award 2024
Overview
Why This Project Was Needed
Young people in Clare are growing up in a digital world where smartphones and social media play a central role in daily life. Frontline services, schools and families were increasingly concerned about the impact of online pressure, constant connectivity and exposure to harmful content on young people’s mental health, wellbeing and relationships.
In both urban and rural communities, there was a clear gap in accessible, age-appropriate online safety education that spoke directly to younger children. Services identified a strong need for youth-led, peer-informed messaging that younger children could relate to and trust, rather than adult-led guidance alon
What We Did
Listening
Surveys with students and parents
Co-Design
TY students analysed findings
Developed workshops and messages
Delivery
Workshops delivered to 6th class pupils
Educational video produced
Ten Golden Rules for Online Safety – by kids, for kids
Think Before You Post
Protect Your Personal Information
Be Kind Online
Don’t Talk to Strangers Online
It’s Okay to Ask for Help
Balance Screen Time
IMPACT & OUTCOMES
- Youth leadership and confidence developed
- Peer-led learning for younger children
- Improved awareness of online safety
- Garda Youth Award (June 2024)
This project showed us that young people have powerful ideas and solutions when they’re trusted to lead. The messages landed because they came from young people, for young people.
Learning & Future Potential
What Worked
Youth-led approach
Cross-school collaboration
Future Potential
Replicable across Clare
Model for other CFSNs
Acknowledgements
Developed through the Ennis Child and Family Support Network in collaboration with Tusla, Prevention Partnership & Family Support Programme (PPFS) and Clarecare and supported by Clare Local Development Company through SICAP funding.
