A new digital citizenship programme for fifth and sixth class pupils is now available to primary schools in Ireland. Switched On has been developed by Webwise in collaboration with and supported by Coimisiún na Meán. The programme supports teachers in helping pupils become safe, responsible and confident digital citizens as they prepare for the transition to post-primary school.
Switched On helps pupils develop critical thinking skills and practical strategies to navigate the online world safely and confidently. The programme explores key topics such as digital wellbeing, media literacy, and understanding their rights and responsibilities in online spaces.
Pupils also learn how to recognise misinformation and disinformation, manage screen time, protect their personal information and privacy, and understand the impact of their digital footprint.
Throughout the programme, pupils are encouraged to reflect on how they engage online, whether socialising, learning, creating content, researching, or gaming, and to develop healthy and responsible digital habits.
The programme’s online learning platform is available in both English and Irish.
Each module includes interactive activities including discussion-based tasks, “How to” guides to build digital skills and scenario-based activities. The modules are also supported by short videos that introduce key topics. These videos are also available in Irish sign language, helping ensure that every pupil can engage fully with the content.
There are also take-home materials designed to encourage conversations between pupils and their parents or guardians about online life, helping to strengthen communication and shared understanding around digital experiences.
The programme was officially launched on 5 March 2026 by the Online Safety Commissioner, Niamh Hodnett, at St. Joseph’s National School.
Speaking at the launch, the Online Safety Commissioner highlighted the importance of supporting children to understand online safety, their digital footprint, and their rights online, saying:
Coimisiún na Meán is delighted to support Webwise in delivering the Switched On Education programme for fifth and sixth class. This important programme informs primary school children about online safety, their digital footprint and how to develop healthy habits online. It prompts a discussion about their online life with parents and guardians. It also makes children aware of their rights online.
Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton TD also welcomed the programme, saying:
This new digital citizenship programme comes at a critical moment. It provides a thoughtful, age-appropriate introduction to key concepts like online safety, privacy, digital wellbeing, digital footprints, rights online and media literacy. By empowering our learners with the skills to become responsible digital citizens, we’re not just protecting them – we’re preparing them to thrive.
Jane McGarrigle, national co-ordinator, Webwise, said:
Today, one in three internet users globally is a child. Children are spending more time online and accessing digital technologies at younger ages than ever before. Switched On responds to this reality by fostering digital literacy from an early age, ensuring that children can benefit from the opportunities of the online world while managing its challenges.
Teachers can learn more and access the full programme on the dedicated website.
Find more information about the work of the Irish Safer Internet Centre, including its awareness raising, helpline, hotline, and youth participation services, or find similar information for other Safer Internet Centres throughout Europe.
More on digital and socia-cultural environment
A new digital citizenship programme for fifth and sixth class pupils is now available to primary schools in Ireland. Switched On has been developed by Webwise in collaboration with and supported by Coimisiún na Meán. The programme supports teachers in helping pupils become safe, responsible and confident digital citizens as they prepare for the transition to post-primary school.
Switched On helps pupils develop critical thinking skills and practical strategies to navigate the online world safely and confidently. The programme explores key topics such as digital wellbeing, media literacy, and understanding their rights and responsibilities in online spaces.
Pupils also learn how to recognise misinformation and disinformation, manage screen time, protect their personal information and privacy, and understand the impact of their digital footprint.
Throughout the programme, pupils are encouraged to reflect on how they engage online, whether socialising, learning, creating content, researching, or gaming, and to develop healthy and responsible digital habits.
The programme’s online learning platform is available in both English and Irish.
Each module includes interactive activities including discussion-based tasks, “How to” guides to build digital skills and scenario-based activities. The modules are also supported by short videos that introduce key topics. These videos are also available in Irish sign language, helping ensure that every pupil can engage fully with the content.
There are also take-home materials designed to encourage conversations between pupils and their parents or guardians about online life, helping to strengthen communication and shared understanding around digital experiences.
The programme was officially launched on 5 March 2026 by the Online Safety Commissioner, Niamh Hodnett, at St. Joseph’s National School.
Speaking at the launch, the Online Safety Commissioner highlighted the importance of supporting children to understand online safety, their digital footprint, and their rights online, saying:
Coimisiún na Meán is delighted to support Webwise in delivering the Switched On Education programme for fifth and sixth class. This important programme informs primary school children about online safety, their digital footprint and how to develop healthy habits online. It prompts a discussion about their online life with parents and guardians. It also makes children aware of their rights online.
Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton TD also welcomed the programme, saying:
This new digital citizenship programme comes at a critical moment. It provides a thoughtful, age-appropriate introduction to key concepts like online safety, privacy, digital wellbeing, digital footprints, rights online and media literacy. By empowering our learners with the skills to become responsible digital citizens, we’re not just protecting them – we’re preparing them to thrive.
Jane McGarrigle, national co-ordinator, Webwise, said:
Today, one in three internet users globally is a child. Children are spending more time online and accessing digital technologies at younger ages than ever before. Switched On responds to this reality by fostering digital literacy from an early age, ensuring that children can benefit from the opportunities of the online world while managing its challenges.
Teachers can learn more and access the full programme on the dedicated website.
Find more information about the work of the Irish Safer Internet Centre, including its awareness raising, helpline, hotline, and youth participation services, or find similar information for other Safer Internet Centres throughout Europe.
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