Will that miracle happen? CyberSafe Ireland advices to take a break from screens and devices

DUBLIN: CyberSafe Ireland is planning a day without WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, blogs and chat and ‘cheat’. If people are up for it, it will become a new history and a fresh one. Let’s wait and see if this miracle is going to happen.

The charity has called for a 24-hour cyber break next week. The cyber break will take place on Friday, October 16 from 5pm to 5pm on October 17th. CyberSafe Ireland advises people to take a conscious break from their screens and devices.

The charity aims to give families a break from discussing how to find a healthy balance between online and offline life. Instead of logging on to social media that day, families can take part in other activities. People can decide by themselves the desired activities. Or maybe just a little joke. Don’t worry if you no longer have a joke, it can be downloaded (in advance) from the CyberSafe Ireland website. The Family Fun Guide has been set up for this.

CyberSafe Ireland will also provide tips on how to control the temptation of looking at a mobile screen. Families can download ‘Cyber ​​Safe Shields’ to ‘hide’ their devices. It can be printed and placed on any screen within 24 hours. This will help you to avoid the temptation to go online or play games.

CyberSafe Ireland also plans to use CyberBreak as a fundraising opportunity. CyberSafe Ireland said the money raised will be used to develop more educational resources for children, parents and teachers. The organisation’s fundraising capacity has been greatly reduced this year due to the suspension of schools as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The CEO of CyberSafe, Alex Cooney said that this cyber break is envisioned to convince us that we can live without online.

Joanna Fortune, author of the 15 Minute Parenting Series, Psychotherapist and Parent Consultant, said Screenless Family Day is a golden opportunity to enjoy the experience of connection and disconnection.

The cyber break is planned in collaboration with the charity and the permanent tsb Community Fund.

CyberSafe Ireland’s 2019 annual report found that 93% of 8- to 12-year-olds own a smart device, 65% are on social media and more than 70% are gaming online.