The EU’s first Digital Wellbeing Award programme for primary and secondary schools is now available to schools in Ireland.
The Awards framework has been developed by Digital Schools Awards in conjunction with webwise.ie along with the backing of major tech companies HP and AMD for this unique education-industry partnership.
St Joseph’s Secondary School, Rush, took part in the pilot programme for the initiative and in doing so became the first school to be awarded the Special Recognition Badge. Today’s launch is putting a call out to all national and secondary schools in Ireland to join the Digital Wellbeing Award initiative.
Speaking at the launch in St Joseph’s Secondary School, Daragh Nealon, Principal, said; Every school is different but digital wellbeing is universal and should be a core part of the full digital learning experience. I have observed firsthand the curiosity and creativity that flourishes in a safe and supportive digital environment, as showcased through our students’ work and achievements. The promotion of wellbeing is at the core of the ethos of St Joseph’s, and we are truly honoured to be the first school in Ireland to be awarded this Special Recognition Badge for Digital Wellbeing.
What is the Digital Wellbeing Award
Open to register and free to all schools in Ireland, the awards programme underscores Ireland’s commitment to fostering healthier digital habits. To achieve the award, schools must show that they have set out and adopted a whole-school digital wellbeing strategy. Through practical support and access to resources, the programme will help participants to build positive attitudes and behaviours and to be able to anticipate, recognise, recover and learn from online risks.
Special Recognition Badge
To attain a Special Recognition Badge for Digital Wellbeing, schools must complete a self-assessment to identify their expertise. Where gaps in the knowledge exist, Digital Schools Awards will provide the necessary guidance to achieve accreditation. The stand-alone badge will be available to all schools that demonstrate a strategic approach to cyber resilience and internet safety.
According to Victor McNair of the Digital Schools Awards; The Digital Wellbeing Awards framework provides the roadmap, resources, and support to help each, and every school build tailored practices that promote healthy technology use and a positive digital culture. It’s so important that schools embrace a digital wellbeing programme that works for their students and teachers, and we are looking forward to a much-expanded level of participation in the upcoming year.”
Digital Wellbeing at Grassroots Level
Recent research by the UCD School of Medicine looking at the level of digital skills among children aged 10 and 11 found those with a safe and positive understanding of technology and smart devices enjoyed overall higher levels of contentment compared to their less digital savvy peers.
The Digital Wellbeing Awards will help schools to support students with the knowledge and tools to be responsible and confident online.
Jane McGarrigle, National Coordinator, Webwise.ie, commented; We live in an ever-evolving digital world which offers many opportunities for learners. In order to support learners to thrive online, we need to equip them from a young age with skills and competencies to make sense of this complex digital world. We are delighted to be supporting Digital Schools Awards in launching the Digital Wellbeing Awards programme. This comprehensive initiative offers valuable guidance, resources and support.”
Paul McKiernan, Lead Security Advisor EMEA, HP said: In this European Year of Digital Citizenship Education, HP is proud to support the Digital Wellbeing Awards. Through this national awards scheme, students graduate not only as proficient digital users but also as ethical and responsible digital citizens. We encourage all schools to get involved in these awards and take advantage of the fantastic support being offered.”
Donal Harford, Sales Manager EMEA, AMD said: The possibilities are virtually limitless for what we can achieve through advancements in science and technology over the next few decades. School pupils across Europe are the next generation of innovators and it is through programmes such as the Digital Wellbeing Awards that we can educate and inspire them to safely explore their interests and careers in digital technology.”
Looking Ahead
The Digital Wellbeing Programme represents a significant investment in the future of Ireland’s youth. As students learn to harness technology for their benefit while maintaining balance, Ireland continues to lead the way in creating a healthier, more mindful digital culture. This is a journey not a jump and will reap huge benefits in the years to come as children who have experienced digital wellbeing in schools present enhanced digital literacy, healthier digital habits, improved career readiness and the ability to adapt to technological developments.
Registrations are open and it is free to participate for all national and secondary schools in Ireland.
