For the fifth consecutive year, the Departures Hall of Shannon Airport will be transformed to host the highly anticipated Explore Engineering Showcase 2026 on Thursday 5th March. This inspiring event brings together 2,000 senior-cycle secondary school students, teachers, their parents, professionals, and industry leaders for a dynamic celebration of engineering excellence and innovation.
Established in 2015, this annual event provides a unique platform for students and emerging engineers to speak directly with over 60 engineering companies in the Mid-West and gain insights into the latest technological advancements.
Key educational institutions from across the Mid-West will come together to showcase the diverse pathways open to students, from apprenticeships and training bodies to third-level programmes, for students, parents, guidance counsellors, and teachers.
Speaking today, Eimear Brophy, Chairperson of Explore Engineering, said: “The Explore Engineering Showcase is about inspiring future engineers and connecting them with real training and career opportunities close to home. We invite students, their parents, and educators to join us in Shannon Airport as we showcase the very best of what the Mid-West region has to offer the future of engineering talent.”
Commenting on the event, Ray O’Driscoll, Interim CEO of The Shannon Airport Group said: “It’s a real honour for us to host the Explore Engineering Showcase in Shannon Airport. Engineering and aviation go hand in hand and several of the companies participating are an integral part of the Shannon Airport Business Park, where innovation and creativity thrive. It’s wonderful to see the curiosity and passion for engineering this event helps to ignite in students – future talent who will undoubtedly play an important role in our business and the wider region in the years ahead.”
Attendees will have the opportunity to explore interactive exhibits, witness live demonstrations, and participate in hands-on activities designed to spark creativity and problem-solving skills.
The Explore Engineering Showcase takes place in the Departures Hall of Shannon Airport on Thursday 5th March 2026. Admission and parking are free. Pre-registration is not required. Doors open from 5pm.
The myFirst Camera 50 20MP AI Kids Camera is a step up from the myFirst Camera 3 we recently reviewed and comes with AI and an app to get your kids into a creative mode and all this is also kept safe and private within a selected circle of family or friends via the myFirst Circle app which is ideal for kids.
More advanced this might seem like a challenging task however it is not that hard to use and your parents can assist you along the way with nothing too difficult to digest on the way to learning more about technology in a good way.
This time around we get features to add to your photos create a diary and more you can share and saved and create your own videos with voice-overs and templates.
The camera itself is pretty good and so is the video for the target market I was impressed with the images and video given as you will see in the video below. You get on board storage and you can add storage via a micro sd card giving you ample room to get creative and take photos and videos to your hearts content and sift through them later on.
Kids can also create a journal which I like here and this is good for mental health and your wellbeing and your child can express themselves in a more realistic manner with videos images and by writing down things which is good.
The device has 20mp front camera and 16mp selfie camera and allows 1080p recording for decent images and video and all this is housed in a robust frame built to last there is also a incremental light on the front too for your selfies. One press on the shutter key is for photos and holding it down is for video.
Overall this is a great product for your child to learn about technology while having fun and being kept safe from the internet and with the app and journal here it is perfect for any child or teenager
myFirst Circle App
AI-Assisted Curation
Pin-Code Protected Video Diary
Child-Safety Focused Social Circle
Integrated Selfie Light
Physical Shutter Button
1080P Video Recording
20MP Rear Lens, 16MP Selfie Lens
1GB RAM, 16GB Storage, up to 128GB Expandable Storage
Light and Ergonomic Design
Empower Your Child’s Creativity with AI
Designed specifically for young minds aged 5-12, Camera 50 makes it easier than ever for children to transform everyday moments into creative masterpieces, all with the help of AI. The inclusion of myDiary and our myFirst Circle app fosters good mental health practices from an early age by allowing them to better express themselves, and provide a safe space for them to store their video journal entries and share their stories.
Photo & Video Editing
AI-Assisted Curation
Child-Safety Focused Social Circle
Lightweight and Ergonomic
Wifi Connectivity
Up To 128GB Storage
Why Integrate AI in myFirst Camera 50?
Camera 50 makes video editing easy and fun for kids! Our AI helps kids create amazing videos without the hassle. With simple tools and cool effects, they can add their own touch with stickers, drawings, and even their own voice!
Cultivating Young Storytellers with AI
Help kids become filmmakers and vloggers! Our camera teaches them storytelling, boosts confidence, and lets them explore their creative side. It’s a safe and fun way to learn about making videos without needing a phone.
myFirst Camera 50 AI – Prioritizing Safety and Privacy
Not all AI cameras are the same, and the myFirst Camera 50 stands out. Unlike others, our Camera 50 helps kids create unique stories by analyzing their mood to make perfect videos, all while keeping privacy and security a top priority.
Privacy First: Camera 50 enhances photos and videos without tracking or collecting personal data. Our AI is focused only on content enhancement
Data Protection: No personal data storage or facial recognition. Your content stays secure and private, free from unauthorized access or data breaches
myFirst Camera 50 & Circle App – Safety is Our Priority
myFirst Camera 50 is designed with a safe and controlled environment for young creators, and our myFirst Circle app is the cornerstone of this safety. Here’s how Camera 50 and Circle app ensure safety:
Audible Shuttler: Our camera’s audible shutter lets you know when a photo is taken, safeguarding your privacy, guarantees no hidden photography
Limited Sharing: Through myFirst Circle, parents can control who can see their child’s creations, ensuring content stays within a trusted circle. Children can post photos in a child-friendly social circle, categorized by relationship type (Family, Besties, Friends, Acquaintances), with parents managing visibility and editing posts if necessary
A Boost for Mental Wellbeing with myDiary
Journaling helps kids’ mental health by providing a safe space to express emotions and reduce stress. It improves self-awareness and mental clarity, boosts creativity, enhances communication skills, and builds resilience by reflecting on experiences and solving problems.
myDiary – Build Your Own Journal
Kids love tech, but it’s important they use it for more than just fun. The myFirst Camera 50’s “myDiary” feature is a great way for kids to express themselves and learn about their feelings. It lets them take photos, videos, and write about their adventures. This helps them:
AI-powered growth: The camera offers prompts and suggestions to encourage self-expression in a fun way
Fun Colors and Accessories
Pick your favorite – cool purple then make it unique with fun stickers that reflect your style. For worry-free adventures, it includes a handy anti-drop hand strap and a comfortable neck lanyard.
Kid-Proof Protection
Give your child the freedom to explore without worry. This case features rounded edges, a thick TPU frame, shock absorption, and scratch resistance, making it the perfect shield for their device during all their adventures.
Advanced Shutter Control
Understanding the nuances of photography is crucial for young creators, and the myFirst Camera 50 introduces them to professional techniques with its advanced shutter control system. The camera features a dual-function shutter button that operates on a half-press and full-press mechanism, designed specifically to enhance the shooting experience and photo quality.
The Ultimate Selfie Machine
Capture flawless selfies with the Camera 50’s built-in, adjustable Selfie Light Bar. This game-changer offers three warm lighting modes from cozy to neutral, all set to a gentle 4000K temperature, our Selfie Light Bar makes sure every selfie looks naturally awesome.
On-screen Button Tailored for Selfie Mode
Camera 50 is also designed with human natural movements in mind, the on-screen shutter button is easy to use in any hand position, making it simple to shoot the perfect selfie every time.
Enhanced Photography Features
Camera 50 takes your pictures to the next level. It features a high-resolution (20MP) rear camera with a wider-angle lens, perfect for capturing all the action and scenery. Plus, get up close and personal with the 20mm macro lens, ideal for revealing the hidden details in the world around you.
Bringing Families Closer One Memory At A Time
Camera 50 captures memories and connects families. Share photos and videos instantly with loved ones through our myFirst Circle app and all myFirst devices.
The PanPan Kids SmartWatch is a new product to the Irish market and a welcome on and from a person that uses and reviews smartwatches all year round I welcome this for kids, I myself have a large collection of both kids and general watches and it good to see how these improve over time and best of all keep me off my phone to a great extent.
There is much talk today about how old kids should be giving them their first phone and is a heated topic I have discussed before but the later the better or a dumbphone if required it is not only up to the parents to be proactive here but social media companies and more. Google and Vodafone have been the latest to take action.
Today we give you a first look of the latest device so if you have any questions feel free to ask while we test it out over the next few weeks with some more kids tech but check out the features on offer below and then check out the video and feel free to ask any questions during the next few weeks.
Key Benefits for Parents
Privacy-Focused – No camera or recording functions, ensuring safety at school and compliance with GDPR.
Affordable and Convenient – Provides essential connectivity without the distractions or risks of a smartphone.
SOS and Two-Way Calling – Instant connection between child and parent at any time.
Real-Time Location Tracking – GPS location accessible through the app.
Geo-Fencing Alerts – Parents can set safe zones and receive notifications when their child moves beyond them.
Activity Monitoring – Built-in pedometer promotes movement and healthy habits.
Durable & Kid-Friendly Design – Comfortable, customisable straps and available in fun colours.
Optional 24/7 Monitoring Support – Additional security for families (available at an extra cost per month).
Google has announced new tools for parents to help manage their child’s devices with Google Family Link.
Family Link’s new design is more intuitive for parents to use and navigate. A new Screen Time tab consolidates all screen-time management tools in a single, easily accessible place. In addition to the app and device-specific usage summary and time limits, the Screen Time tab also makes it easier for parents to set and adjust Downtime and School time.
Google advised that parents will find managing their child’s account, privacy settings and content filters is now easier than ever on the Controls tab. They have streamlined key controls so parents have what they need right at their fingertips, including the ability to manage account data settings, approve app downloads and block specific websites.
Juggling multiple kids and their devices is also getting easier. Simply swipe between child profiles and manage devices from a single page, with more advanced settings just a tap away.
The School time feature was brought to the Fitbit ACE LTE and Samsung Galaxy Watch for Kids as a way to help minimise distractions on smartwatches for children during school hours. From next week, Google will roll out School time support for Android phones and tablets as well.
School time can help reduce distractions, by scheduling limited phone functionality and silenced notifications during school hours. If there is a holiday or planned day off, or even just planned lunches, parents can easily adjust the settings and set a “Break” to fit their children’s schedules.
Parents can choose the apps that are silenced and restricted, and learn which apps their child uses while in School time or outside of it. Google noted that there are times when certain apps are useful for studying, which is why parents can choose a set of allowed apps, and select which are allowed during School time or in other selected modes.
Galaxy Watch for Kids launched with lots of new features for kids and parents. In the coming months, Google will be bringing the ability for parents to approve contacts for kids to call and text to Android phones, too. Parents can add these contacts from Family Link directly to their child’s device and limit calls and texts to only those approved contacts. Children can also request to add new contacts to be approved by parents in Family Link.
To learn more about how Google is helping families more safely explore online, visit families.google.
Parents think deeply about how their children should use technology, including how to strike the right balance for time spent online. Every family has different needs and perspectives on this topic. Today, Google is announcing a new setting for Android phones and other devices that empowers parents to use a School time feature.
Helping students focus on learning during school hours
Google regularly engages with parents when designing products, and often hears directly from parents who do not want their children distracted at school but still want to be able to get in touch in case of emergency.
That’s why this year Google has introduced School time on Fitbit Ace LTE smartwatches. Over the next year, School time will be rolled out to even more devices including select Android phones, tablets and wearables including Samsung Galaxy Watches as part of ongoing work to promote productive learning environments.
School time enables parents to set their child’s personal device to a dedicated home screen with limited functionality during school hours, which helps reduce distractions during class. Parents can schedule and select which apps are allowed during School time in Family Link, the parental controls app for Google and YouTube. Parents will also have the option to allow calls or texts from specific contacts.
School time can also be turned on outside of class when it may be time to focus or take a break from screens. For teens who are not supervised by a parent through Family Link, Focus mode on Android devices can be used to prevent notifications and limit distractions during a specific time period.
Additional settings for teens and teen supervision
As children grow into teens, parents may want different supervision options to better reflect their teens’ understanding and use of technology. Recognising that the settings a family wants to use can differ by age and developmental stage Google is continuing to provide tailored settings and experiences:
New supervision features for parents of teens are coming to YouTube. In an update rolling out later this summer, parents and teens will be able to link their accounts, enabling parents to gain visibility into their teens’ activity and interests on YouTube.
In Family Link, supervision can be enabled for all ages. This helps give parents flexibility to determine the apps, products and experiences their teens can use, while also continuing to monitor their activity and set digital ground rules such as screen time limits or location sharing.
Default safety settings for all users under 18. This includes turning SafeSearch on, implementing content restrictions and turning autoplay off on YouTube. Recently introduced new safeguards limit recommendations of videos with content that could be problematic, especially for teens, if viewed in repetition – such as content related to body image.
Ongoing investment in parental controls
Google is continuously investing in research and development to address the evolving needs of parents and children. By working closely with experts in child development, education and technology, with the goal to help ensure that time online and offline is time well spent.
Tech innovator HMD is creating a phone as an alternative for a smartphone to give parents control over their child’s screen time and social media use.
The aim is to preserve the mental health of the next generation with a phone parents have co-created in order to protect their children and provide better balance.
The digital detox space is one HMD is familiar with having spearheaded the dumbphone trend by reimagining feature phone classics for the modern consumer seeking to limit their screen time and social media use.
The phone manufacturer is now seeking to work with parents to co-create a phone and other new solutions which will serve as credible substitutes for a smartphone and give parents control over their child’s screen time and social media use.
It is hoped the new device will also appeal to Generation Z who have embraced the digital detox space.
HMD is also working with a number of experts, campaigners and parent support groups to better understand the solutions needed. All will be involved in global webinars and forums to ensure collaboration and co-creation is at the heart of HMD’s The Better Phone Project. They can sign-up to be involved at https://www.hmd.com/en_int/better-phone-project
Lars Silberbauer, CMO of HMD, said: “The Better Phone Project is a journey to discovering a variety of solutions that tackle digital overload, providing choice and balance. Our goal is to collaborate with parents and experts to develop solutions that truly meet people’s needs, driving innovation in this space.”
As part of The Better Phone Project, HMD commissioned new global research to provide insight into the dilemmas parents face when it comes to their children and smartphone use.1
The findings revealed 11 is the average age when a parent hands over a smartphone to their child for the first time – but many confessed they wished they had waited longer.
The worldwide survey of 10,000 parents in the UK, US, India, Germany and Australia found more than half of those questioned said they regret exposing their child to a smartphone at such a young age. A third of those who responded cited the negative effects of the device and changes in personality as the key reasons for this. Concerns have been raised consistently about the impact social media apps, which often go hand-in-hand with smartphones, have on children.
A staggering 70% of parents questioned admitted their smartphone-free childhood meant they engaged more with their family – however, it is quality time their children don’t experience: 55% say their child’s phone use is a source of big arguments and a third have cried over their child’s phone obsession.
Some 64% of parents questioned said smartphone use negatively impacts their child’s sleep, 61% think it reduces the amount of physical activity they take, and more than half (54%) worried that it will reduce the amount of time they spend socialising with friends.
With more than half of parents agreeing smartphones can have a positive impact on their children and benefit them educationally – including allowing them to keep in touch with friends – parents clearly face a dilemma.
Tech innovator HMD is now striving to understand these challenges and offer a suite of new and innovative solutions which could work for parents, their children, Generation Z or anyone who is looking for credible alternatives to a smartphone.
HMD is also keen to work with anyone who is interested in this subject and would like to be part of the journey to create change and new solutions. They can sign-up to be involved at https://www.hmd.com/en_int/better-phone-project (URL will go live on 24 July).
Other key points to emerge from the global survey include almost 75% of parents fearing smartphones expose their children to internet dangers, with more than half admitting they don’t know what their children get up to when using their phones.
Almost half of parents believe mobile phone use has changed their child’s personality, with a third claiming their child has body image issues due to their phones.
Joe Ryrie Co-founder of Smartphone Free Childhood said: “We’re delighted that HMD is committed to addressing the glaring gap in the market for child-friendly phones through this project. Their research into children and smartphones is yet more evidence of the impossible position that parents find themselves in today; We either give our children access to a device they might not be ready for, or choose not to and risk alienating them from their peers.
“It’s an issue that the 100,000+ parents who’ve joined our community since February are battling with on a daily basis, and we know that solving it requires a collaborative effort between parents, children, government and tech companies.
“Parents in our community are crying out for a phone which is desirable to children but isn’t designed to steal their attention. So we’re very excited about collaborating with HMD to help define what a modern child-friendly phone should be.”
Smartphones play a vital role when it comes to safety, independence and convenience for pre and early teens according to UK parents, reveals new data today. According to the research, the majority of parents feel kids should have a phone by age 13, and 67% rank safety and security as the number one reason for providing their child with a mobile phone, far outpacing other factors such as educational needs, convenience, and social lives.
The new insights from family locator app and safety membership platform Life360 reveal that despite many spending their youth ‘playing out’ and pulling ‘all-nighters’ with pals, times are a-changing, and the same can’t be said for how they parent their own offspring. Two-thirds of UK parents with kids aged 13 and under describe themselves as more anxious than their parents were and often take more precautions than their parents did.
These UK parents with children aged 13 and under, commonly referred to as ‘Gen Alpha’, say their parents left them home alone (67%), let them travel to school without adult supervision (81%), and go out with friends unsupervised (67%) when they were children.
But now they are parents themselves, most are less likely to allow their own children to do unsupervised life activities before their teenage years (60%, 73%, and 59% for the situations outlined, respectively).
In the age of digitally native families, many are embracing technology as a means to provide peace of mind when it comes to modern-day parenting and feel reassured that it is easier to keep track of kids than it was when they were younger.
Of parents whose children have smartphones, an overwhelming majority seek reassurance by actively using location-sharing technology, and many agree it makes them significantly more likely to allow their children to do major activities like travel to and from school (86%) and go into town or to shopping centres with friends (86%) unsupervised. In terms of other areas of smartphone usage, just 30% were opposed to their child using social media.
In light of growing parental concerns, parenting expert Kirsty Ketley has been commissioned by Life360 to develop tips for parents on how to encourage children’s independence in the safest way.
She says: “Today, our parenting styles are shaped by the complexities of the modern world. While our parents had their own challenges to navigate, we now face additional considerations such as social media, knife crime, and county/local lines. These factors add to the complexity of fostering independence in our children when they are away from home.
“Apps are a very normal part of the modern world, and using a location-sharing app is a great way for children to allow their parents to know their whereabouts without having to ring or send messages, while also giving parents peace of mind. Of course, children need to know that they are being tracked, but rules can be put in place – jointly made by kids and parents. This way, children can still have their privacy and independence while knowing their parents are there should they need them.”
Even among the 40% of respondents whose children do not have a mobile phone, most say they will require active location sharing when the time comes (87%) and more than half of those will require it always (57%). The majority of parents rate location-sharing technology as necessary in two main cases; for contacting emergency services and when their child is travelling without a parent or guardian.
David Rice, International GM and CSO for Life360, said: “We commissioned this research to understand real-life concerns of UK parents and the steps they take to feel reassured about their children’s safety. The findings reinforce the fact that using location-sharing apps can provide families with a sense of security about each other’s safety and whereabouts whilst opening lines of communication, improving trust and allowing kids more freedom.
“It’s beneficial for tweens and teens to have access to smartphones as this technology often becomes an integral part of day-to-day family life across multiple generations and, in some cases, vital in emergency situations.”
New research by Revolut, the global financial super app with more than 2 million customers in Ireland, has delved into the impacts of inflation. The majority of people in Ireland think prices will continue to go up this year, with parents with children being most impacted compared to other household types.
Revolut recently reported that the average consumer in Ireland is spending 17.8% more, year on year. However, the survey of 1,000 people in Ireland found that 56% of people think prices will go up even more this year. In contrast, 15% think prices will go down in 2023, with 18-24 year olds being the most optimistic with 31% thinking prices will go down. 45-54 year olds are the most pessimistic as 63% think prices will increase further this year.
When asked which types of households those polled think are most impacted by inflation and high prices, 69% of people said parents with children. Despite some expenses such as children’s clothing only increasing by 5.8% year on year, the number of customers paying for child care services has gone up 185%, year on year, likely due to the relaxation of covid restrictions.
Other answers of which households are most affected by inflation include retired people (36%), students living with roommates (30%), and singles (24%). As supermarket spending has increased 14.3%, price rises are impacting all walks of life.
Furthermore, salaries haven’t kept up with inflation according to the research, as only 10% said they had a pay rise last year to match inflation. Overall, 37% of people said their salary didn’t increase last year. 21% said their salary wasn’t increased and don’t think it will rise this year either. Only 5% of people said that although their salary didn’t increase last year, they will negotiate it this year, and 7% think their salary will increase this year. However, 3% said their salary decreased last year.
24% of those surveyed said their salary had increased, but below the rate of inflation. 10% said their salary was raised last year above the inflation rate. But, the data also shows women have been at a disadvantage as 16% of men said their salary was raised above the rate of inflation, but only 5% of women said this was also the case for them too.
The research, carried out by Dynata in January, found that Dublin led the way with salary increases, where 12.8% said their salary was increased above the inflation rate in the last year. However, 28.7% of people in Connaught said their salary was not increased, and don’t think it will be in 2023.
The survey revealed that if those polled were given an extra 10,000 EUR, 15% would spend it on essentials before prices go up further. 15% would save it, 13% would put it aside in a current account they have easy access to, and 11% would spend it on experiences such as travelling.
The average person in Ireland is spending 20.7% more on travel overall, year on year. In January, spending on hotels (35.8%) and airlines (55.5%) increased, year on year. Spending on cruises increased by 144.5% and saw a 39.9% increase in the number of customers making bookings.
The rise of inflation has meant that 38% of people in Ireland are looking to save more money for a rainy day. 36% feel the rise of inflation has taught them how to consume less overall, 13% are looking to focus their money on experiences rather than material goods.
Despite the rise in the cost of living, Revolut recently reported that consumers in Ireland have boosted their generosity. Donations to charity increased by 14.6%, and 8.9% more people gave to charity in January 2023, compared to January the previous year. The survey suggests these figures could grow further, as 18% of people plan to donate more this year than in previous years.
A Revolut spokesperson said: “Our research gives insights into how the rise in cost of living is affecting the priorities of consumers. People in Ireland are ensuring that essentials and saving take precedence. However, travel and experiences continue to be sought after by consumers, as people look to visit new destinations after a turbulent couple of years for the travel industry. It’s also positive to see that as inflation rises, the generosity of people increases as many look to donate more to charities this year to help those less fortunate.”
