Barnardos Knowledge Bank

Barnardos Knowledge Bank is an online service hosting full content materials produced by Barnardos Ireland. It contains the full text of booklets, journals, reports, research papers and more. Barnardos Knowledge Bank is an open access platform, with the aim of making Barnardos output as widely accessible as possible. Use the browse functions above for an overview of relevant materials. Barnardos is Ireland's leading children's charity and is also a National Voluntary Childcare Organisation whose work is part funded by Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.

Recent Submissions

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    Young Children's Use of Technology: A Guide for Parents
    (Barnardos, 2024) Barnardos
    In our busy lives today, we are surrounded by technology. We use it when we are at work; when we are in our cars to reverse, to park and to work out the best route home; when we are at home to entertain us, to keep in contact with others, and to order food…the list is endless. Technological advances have not only enhanced our lives by making so many of our daily tasks easier, they have also extended our lives in terms of medical care and treatments. Along with these benefits, however, there are downsides to this ever-growing use of technology such as a decrease in face-to-face social interactions, people comparing their own lives unfavourably with what they see on social media, and people spending less time experiencing things out in the ‘real world’. Debates about the impact of too much technology for children are commonplace, but the warnings about too much screen time and the dangers of the internet usually centre on older children. In this resource we focus on the ways young children aged 0-6 use technology, and think about the potential impacts this might have on their wellbeing and their development – both good and bad. We consider what young children need to support their development and explore how you, as a parent or guardian, can make the best decisions around your child’s use of technology in an informed way to ensure that they are safe, healthy and happy
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    Barnardos General Election Manifesto 2024
    (Barnardos, 2024) Barnardos
    A new government must make sure that all children across the country have the best opportunity possible to have a positive childhood with opportunities to thrive. Here are the actions that Barnardos is calling for from the incoming government.
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    Parental Advocacy & Information Service (Poster)
    (Barnardos, No date) Barnardos
    The Parental Advocacy & Information Service delivered by Barnardos Is available to parents of children subject to care proceedings. The service is available in Dublin North City, Waterford, and Wexford. There is also anational helpline and to provide parents with information and advice.
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    Parental Advocacy & Information Service (Leaflet)
    (Barnardos, No date) Barnardos
    The Parental Advocacy & Information Service delivered by Barnardos is available to parents of children subject to care proceedings. The service is available in Dublin North City, Waterford, and Wexford. There is also a national helpline to provide parents with information and advice.
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    Exploring AI (Artificial Intelligence) with Children & Young People
    (Barnardos, 2024) McLoughlin, Niamh; McMullen, Siobhan
    Each year Barnardos Online Safety Programme holds consultations with children and writes a report based on what children outlined about their experiences online. The topic of Artificial Intelligence was chosen for this year’s consultation report as children increasingly spoke about AI and the role it plays in their lives during workshops across schools delivered by this programme. This report looks at the relationship between AI and children. Barnardos Online Safety Programme understands that children are interacting with AI technologies in various ways. They are increasingly exploring and using generative AI in their daily lives, as well as passively interacting with AI technologies embedded in most of their online activities. During the consultation for this report, the children spoken to showed a range of perceptions about AI, from enthusiastic and optimistic to cautious and fearful. Some children believe that AI is a powerful tool that can improve the future, while others worry that it could become dangerous or harmful. The children stated that they find aspects of AI to be useful and fun; they are using it in ways that help them to understand their world, to further their learning and to explore their creativity. They also articulated their concerns; about how AI can be used to manipulate them and to invade their privacy. While the potential benefits of AI for children are recognised, the potential risks must also be acknowledged. The report highlights a lot of uncertainty from children, parents and teachers about AI. The future impact of AI on children’s lives is unknown, but it is clear that children need help to navigate AI and the online world. Parents, educators and professionals working with children must be able to provide the necessary support and guidance.

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