In 2023, the Parents Association, in conjunction with the Board of Management and Staff of Holy Cross School came together to formulate the Holy Cross Parents Cyber Smart Charter. This was in response to concerns that had been raised in recent years both in school by teachers and outside of school by parents, about increasing anxiety levels amongst the children. Research suggest that much of this is caused by the risks and pressures involved in owning a smartphone, accessing social media and gaming online with inappropriate age rated games.

 

Aims of the Cyber Smart Charter

• Families agree not to purchase smartphones for children while they are in primary school.

• Families agree not to allow children to engage in social media while they are in primary school.

• Families agree to respect age limits on computer and online games.​

 

Other important information

• This is a voluntary charter for the parents in Holy Cross School.

• This charter acknowledges that parents have the right to opt in completely, or adopt whichever of the aims work for their family, without judgement and with respect for each family’s individual circumstances.

• This charter is separate to Holy Cross School’s Mobile Phone Policy which states clearly that children are not permitted to use mobile phones in school.