Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The tool supports pillar 3 of the Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 (Safe and ethical use of the internet and digital technologies in teaching, learning and assessment).
The Review Tool is developed through the lens of the four key areas of the Wellbeing Policy Statement and Framework for Practice. The 4 sections are Culture and Environment; Relationships and partnerships; Curriculum; and Policy, Practice and Planning.
It is recommended that schools complete all sections, however sections can be completely individually.
Yes. Depending on the size of the school, input may be required from various staff members, for example SPHE coordinator, Digital Learning lead, administrative staff, etc.
The tool is designed for schools leaders and may also be suitable for educators. It is recommended that schools take a collaborative approach and involve any relevant personnel in the review. Multiple school accounts can be created, and users can share draft versions with colleagues for ease of review.
Yes, users can save their progress and revisit at any time. There is an option to save at the end of each section.
All four sections include a series of statements. Users select all the Statements that apply to their school. Based on the Statements selected the Review Tool will identify strengths and areas for development in that key area. For example, Culture and Environment, or Policy, Practice and Planning.
Yes. Explainers are provided beside each statement to give additional information and context about the Statement.
We recognise every school is unique and will be at different stages in their online safety approach. The tool is designed to provide schools with a helpful roadmap, outlining best-practice, highlighting relevant supports and identifying gaps. The tool can be used as a helpful guide or starting point for schools. Given the breadth of online safety considerations, we recommend schools revisit the tool annually and identify key focus areas for the year.
The review tool will generate an assessment report for each of the key areas. This report will identify strengths and areas for improvement. It will signpost to the supports available to schools to help focus on areas for improvement, and to help further develop effective and sustainable online safety practices in the school.
– Gold: Outstanding – You scored between 90-100%.
Your proactive approach to online safety ensures that students can learn and explore the internet safely and effectively. Keep leading the way in digital safety. Below you’ll find more information and resources to help develop and build your online safety approach.
– Green: Great Job – You scored between 65-90%.
You’ve demonstrated a strong commitment to protecting students’ digital well-being. Below you’ll find more information and resources to help develop and build your online safety approach.
– Amber: Good job – You scored between 35-65%.
Your online safety measures are effective and show a commitment to protecting and empowering learners. While your current measures are effective, there’s always room to enhance your safety protocols. Below you’ll find more information and resources to help develop and build your online safety approach.
– Red: You’re on the right path and we can help – You scored between 0-35%.
There are areas in your online safety measures that require attention. By addressing these issues and implementing stronger protocols, you can significantly improve the safety and well-being of your students online. Below you’ll find more information and resources to help develop and build your online safety approach.
Yes. Users can download a pdf version of their results.
Yes. Users can login in at any time to edit/update the statements that they have previously selected and generate an updated report. It is recommended that schools revisit the tool on an annual basis to address any changes/updates.
If you are having problems accessing your account or have a query about the tool, please contact internetsafety@oide.ie.
Individual participants will remain anonymous in these reports and analyses. Educators’ responses will never be shared publicly or linked to their identities, and no aggregated data will be shared that could potentially identify any individual educator.
The data collected is anonymised and aggregated. At no time will individual responses from educators be shared or made public. Webwise may use anonymised and aggregated data from the Online Safety Review Tool to produce reports and presentations.
