Tots to Teens: ISPCC advice to parents on web content
Pic: iStock
Do you know who your children are talking to online?
This question is asked by a new ad campaign launched by the ISPCC, alerting parents to the risk of online grooming.
The ad features a young girl who appears to be texting her friends, with messages and emojis flying from screen to screen.
But as the questions grow increasingly inappropriate, we see she’s not a young girl. She’s a sinister-looking older man.
Today is Safer Internet Day and the ISPCC wants to help parents take steps to prevent this from happening to their children.
The charity recommends installing parental controls on all children’s devices.
It also advises taking an active interest in what children watch and do online.
Most importantly, it suggests starting an ongoing conversation with children to alert them to the existence of upsetting content and let them know that you are there to listen to any concerns or worries they might have.
- More information is available from exa.mn/ISPCC-online-safety
All Abilities Ireland is running a neurodivergent-friendly drama workshop in the Garter Lane Arts Centre in Waterford from 10am to 11am this Saturday, February 10.
Run by professional actress and drama teacher Alicia Gerrard, the free classes are designed for children aged between eight and 12 and aim to teach lifelong skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, creative expression and bonding through storytelling.
- Book your child’s place today at exa.mn/Waterford-drama-children
Imagine how excited a young artist would be to see their artwork on the cover of a best-selling children’s book.
That’s the opportunity being offered to the lucky winner of the Design-A-Cover competition being run by O’Brien Press in partnership with Children’s Books Ireland.
Judi Curtin’s was first published in 2016 and a new edition will be launched this autumn.
This tale of friendship and adventure needs a new look to help it appeal to today's young readers.
Aspiring artists are advised to read the book before downloading a copy of the entry form.
They can use the space on the form to lay out their design and fill in their details.
All completed entries should be sent to O’Brien Press before the closing date of February 23.
All entrants must be aged 15 or under.
- For more details and to download the entry form, see obrien.ie/childrens/design-a-cover-competition
How adorable are these sock animals handmade by Christina Sanne in Co Dublin?
In 2009, when her three children were small and had just got a new puppy called Rufus, Sanne surprised them with sock dogs that looked just like him. They fell in love with those sock dogs and so did their friends.
This inspired Sanne to set up www.redrufus.ie, where she sells soft toys fashioned out of socks.
With prices starting from €38, there are bears, bunnies, cats, and many other animals, as well as the original Rufus dogs.
We all need time out from parenting occasionally. So, while your children are at school this week, why don’t you check out In Flow – Exploring Art and Wellness, an exhibition which is taking place at the MTU Gallery at 46 Grand Parade in Cork City?
The exhibition features self-care toolkits and resources and involves a series of lunchtime mindful drawing workshops.
Starting today, February 6, and running from 12.30pm to 2pm daily until Friday, February 9, they will feature wellbeing artist Lucy Hyland showing participants how to unwind and de-stress through guided drawing and doodling exercises.
The workshops are free and open to all.
No artistic experience is required, and people are welcome to participate for a few minutes or the entire duration.
- For more information, visit exa.mn/MTU-wellness
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