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NEWS
December 2012/January 2013 www.esb.ie/em
Connected World: Cyber bullying
Cyber bullying is a growing problem on the Internet and one that, as a parent, you may underestimate
BULLYING HAS always existed, but the Internet can amplify the issue as bullies can post harassing messages to the entire world or even hijack your child’s identity online. In addition, bullies can remain anonymous on the Internet, making them harder to track down and stop. No single technology or computer program is going to solve all the dangers your children face online, but in this article we will look at some steps you can take to defend them against online dangers.
Education:
The most important step you can take is education. Make sure you are always talking to them about their online activities, and stay current with what they are doing. In addition, create an environment where your children feel comfortable coming to you with questions or problems they may have online.
Dedicated Computer:
Have a separate computer just for your children. Keep the children’s dedicated computer in a public, high-traffic area, such as the kitchen or the living room, so that you can monitor their online activities. Finally, make sure each child has and uses their own non-administrative account on the computer. This will allow you to more easily track what each child is doing on the computer.
Rules: Create a document that identifies the rules you expect your children to follow when online and which also states how the rules will be enforced and possible consequences for violating the rules. Review the document with your kids and then post it by their computer or in some other visible area. This way your children will know and understand your expectations.
Monitoring:
Children are by nature trusting and curious. Unfortunately, as parents we know that this can sometimes lead to dangerous situations. Monitor your children’s activities; they simply do not realize how dangerous the world can be. Help them to identify issues and discuss these issues together so that they can build a safe online presence. You may not realize it, but your computer has parental controls that help you to monitor their activities, or you can purchase programs that give you greater monitoring capabilities.
Filtering:
In addition, you may want to filter your children’s online activities, such as restricting which websites they can visit. This is especially important for younger children, as it protects them from accidentally accessing dangerous or unwanted content. Just like monitoring, your computer has parental controls that enable you to filter their activities, or you can purchase programs that give you greater capabilities. However, as children grow older filtering becomes less effective. Not only do children need greater access, such as for school or work, but they will be also accessing the Internet with devices you do not control, such as computers in libraries, at a friend’s house or at school. This is why ultimately education is the most important step you can take.
For additional information on how to protect your children online and providing monitoring and filtering capabilities please check the below online resources.
Office for Internet Safety - www.internetsafety.ie/website/ois/oisweb.nsf/page/safety-guideparents-en
OnGuard Online - www.onguardonline.gov/
Microsoft Family Safety - www.microsoft.com/en-gb/security/family-safety/default.aspx#Internet-use
Facebook on Protecting Your Kids - www.facebook.com/help/safety
Parental Software Options - www.consumersearch.com/parental-controlsoftware
National Skills Competition
ESB Networks Ltd.
Page 23
A floodlit Energy Cup ESB GAA v BGE GAA
The utilities clash is on its way to becoming an annual fixture
THE SECOND annual Energy Cup fixture between ESB and BGE took place, appropriately, under floodlights in the North Campus Sports grounds of University of Limerick on Friday November 9th.
From the throw in ESB carried the game to BGE and were ahead a goal through Frank Finn and two points, one each from Liam O’Donoghue and Paul Brogan without reply within the first ten minutes. By half-time O’Donoghue added another goal and a point and more points from Brogan, Drew Wylie and captain Ciaran McManus made the score line two goals and nine points to BGE’s four points.
The second-half was a much closer affair with BGE now well into the game and ably led by their Cork senior player, Daniel Goulding. BGE narrowed ESB’s winning margin to five points midway through the second-half and a real fight back looked on the cards. However, ESB finished the stronger of the two sides and scored a further three goals and seven points to make the final score five goals and sixteen points to BGE’s two goals and ten points.
It’s impossible to single out any ESB player for particular praise, as each one of them including substitutes were all outstanding. However, fullback Bryan McGuinness, midfielder and captain Ciaran McManus and half-forwards Drew Wylie and Paul Brogan were exceptional on the night. BGE were best served by their current Cork star Daniel Goulding
This year’s tie was hosted by BGE and the game was watched by BGE’s Chief Executive John Mullins and BGE Chairperson Rose Hynes, as well as ESB Company Secretary John Redmond.
ESB Team: John Sheridan, Alan Page, Bryan McGuinness, Brent Wylie, Tom Foody, Kieran Harrington, Brendan McGrade, Ciaran McManus (Capt.) James Finn, Paul Brogan, Drew Wylie, Frank Finn, Christy Caroon, Eoin Maguire and Liam O’Donoghue.
Subs: Brian McAleer, Dermot Cuskelly and James Tobin.
ESB GAA - Team Manager: Enda Mc-Keown.
Special thanks to UL and staff for the immaculate condition of their pitches, dressing rooms and their overall facilities.
At a presentation dinner later that evening in the Clarion Hotel, Limerick the ESB team was presented with the Floodlit Energy Cup by BGE Chairperson Rose Hynes and BGE CEO John Mullins presented the winners’ medal. ESB’s John Redmond presented the runners up medals.
Both John Mullins and John Redmond thanked the players for an entertaining game and expressed their support for this event to continue. ESB GAA President Paul Stapleton paid tribute to all participants and the BGE organising committee on the day, including
“It’s impossible to single out any ESB player for particular praise, as each one of them including substitutes were all outstanding.
Mary O’Connor, as well as the ESB GAA’s committee on the day Colum Grogan, Hugh Connaughton, Pat Maleady, Deirdre Arthur and Shauna Brady, for making the occasion such an entertaining event.