Publication of Online Safety Strategy and Action Plan

Date published: 09 February 2021

The Department of Health, on behalf of the NI Executive, has today published the Online Safety Strategy and Action Plan for Northern Ireland.

The vision of the strategy is that all children and young people enjoy the educational, social and economic benefits of the online world, and that they are empowered to do this safely, knowledgably and without fear.

First Minister Arlene Foster said: “The online world, now more than ever, can provide huge benefits for our children and young people. It provides education and learning opportunities, enables children to stay connected and in-touch, it can assist with research and is a form of recreation and a source of entertainment.  However, it also presents risk and unfortunately it is also used by people who wish to cause harm and exploit our children and young people and this strategy aims to address those risks.”

Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill said: “In a world where the internet is very much part of our day-to-day lives, children and young people have a right to feel safe and to be safe online.  Education on the risks of online activity, and how to protect themselves from those risks, is extremely important, particularly when it comes to the use of social media. We need a joined up effort to keep all our young people safe and this strategy also recognises that  Internet and technology service providers have a responsibility to contribute to improving online safety.” 

The strategy makes clear that keeping children and young people safe online requires a joint effort involving parents and carers, schools, colleges and youth services, internet and technology providers and Government Departments and their arms-length bodies.

Health Minister Robin Swann said: “The fast-changing nature of technology makes it necessary to continually be aware of emerging concerns and to identify appropriate actions. We all have a responsibility to create a sustainable online safety infrastructure for Northern Ireland and help ensure children and young people are safe in the online world.”

    Notes to editors: 

    1. In January 2015, in recognition of the nature and scale of the challenge and associated risks, the then Northern Ireland Executive commissioned the Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland (SBNI) to develop on its behalf an Online Safety Strategy and Action Plan.  Development has been extensively delayed on a number of occasions.
    2. The SBNI was assisted by the National Children’s Bureau and ran a public consultation on a draft strategy and action plan in 2019.  The SBNI will have responsibility for implementation of the action plan as the central coordinating body for online safety. The development and publication of the Online Safety Strategy and Action Plan have been overseen by the Department of Health on behalf of departments.
    3. The strategy defines Online Safety as relating to all engagement in the online world.  It means supporting and empowering children and young people to engage in online activities in an educated, safe, responsible and respectful way. 
    4. The accompanying action plan covers the first three years of the strategy. It has three key areas for commitment to action: creating a sustainable infrastructure; educating our children and young people, and those who work with them; and developing evidence-informed quality standards for the provision of online safety education and services. The action plan for the remaining two years will be developed based on needs arising and experience gained during the first three years of implementation.
    5. The Strategy and Action Plan are available to access on the Department of Health website.
    6. For media enquiries please contact the DoH Press Office by email pressoffice@health-ni.gov.uk.
    7. Follow us on Twitter @healthdpt.
    8. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.

    Share this page

    Back to top