Tag: tozi

Tozi marks Anti-Bullying Week with social campaign to support young people online

Tozi, the anti-bullying and cyber-safety app developed by Vodafone Foundation, in collaboration with DCU Anti-Bullying Centre and the ISPCC, is marking Anti-Bullying Week (wc 10 November) with a new social media campaign: Supporting Young People in the Digital World.

The campaign aims to empower young people to recognise, respond to, and rise above bullying and is launched as recent ESRI research shows that 62% of 13-year-olds reported experiencing at least one bullying behaviour in the past three months, while one in ten Tozi users have activated the app’s SOS feature in the last year, connecting them directly to Childline via call or chat —demonstrating the importance of a trusted digital space and the need for quick, seamless access to support 24/7.

At the heart of the campaign is a short video featuring two girls exploring Tozi’s “Beat Bullying” module, sharing their thoughts on the app and how it helps them navigate online challenges with confidence.

Tozi:

In 2022, The Vodafone Ireland Foundation developed and launched Tozi, a free app to combat cyberbullying and promote online safety among children and young people. Since its launch, Tozi has had over 20,000 downloads, and is currently being rolled out across Europe following the Irish success.

It offers a content library with advice on handling online challenges, a private journaling space with a feeling’s tracker, and direct access to Childline through the SOS feature for 24/7 support.

The ESRI research also found that 37% of 13-year-olds faced repeated incidents, with online bullying and name-calling among the most common forms, while children targeted at age nine were more likely to be bullied again at age thirteen, underlining the need for early intervention.

Expert Perspective:
The Irish Girl Guides have been a Vodafone Foundation partner since 2023, working to provide lessons on digital skills to older people through the Hi Digital initiative. The Irish Girl Guides work closely with young people across Ireland and see firsthand the challenges girls face online. Their experience underscores the urgent need for resources like Tozi, which aims to empower and protect young people in the digital world.

Speaking on the growing issue of online bullying, Irish Girl Guides Tir na nÓg Leader and Programme and Training Commissioner, Róisín Mills, said:

“As a Leader with the Irish Girl Guides, I worry about the impact social media is having on the girls in my Unit. I see them becoming more disengaged, and I’ve witnessed the effects of online bullying and the pressure to present a perfect image. That’s why we run activities focused on body image, cyber-security, and smart surfing—giving our members the tools to stay safe and confident online. We’re realistic about phone use and guide the girls to use technology in a positive, informed way. Creating a safe space for these conversations is vital, and I believe it’s making a real difference.”

Tozi doesn’t just teach users what bullying is — it shows them how to stand up, speak out, and support each other in the moments that matter most.

Tozi is available for free download on the App Store and Google Play. Learn more at https://www.to-zi.com/

Parenting in a Digital World: Vodafone Foundation in Ireland launches parents’ guide to help keep children safe online

The Vodafone Foundation in Ireland has announced the launch of a new guide for parents and guardians which aims to provide resources to ensure children are kept safe in the digital world.

The ’Parenting in a Digital World’ guide has been designed to empower parents and guardians in navigating the complexities of devices and digital safety. It is available for free, both in Vodafone stores nationwide and online at www.vodafone.ie.

The new resource provides practical advice and insights on key topics such as setting up parental controls, building digital resilience and addressing cyberbullying. Recognising the growing concerns around children’s online activities, the Vodafone Foundation has developed this guide to help parents make informed decisions and take proactive steps to protect their children online.

Key Features of the Guide Include:

  • Advice on building digital resilience to help children cope with negative online experiences.
  • Guidance on navigating cyberbullying: How to recognise the signs and what actions to take if a child is a victim.
  • Tools for safe connectivity: Options for basic phones with limited internet access for children.
  • Partnership resources: Information on additional support available through Vodafone’s partnerships with the ISPCC and Dublin City University Anti-Bullying Centre.
  • Step-by-Step instructions on how to use parental controls and the Vodafone Secure Net app to manage a child’s online experience.

Speaking about the new parents’ guide, Head of the Vodafone Foundation, Liz Roche said: “Connectivity brings many benefits. Yet, we know that the decision as to when a child is ready to access the digital world on their own devices can be a difficult one.

Our parents’ guide is designed to make it easier for parents and guardians to manage their child’s online activities while fostering a safe and positive digital environment. Whether it’s understanding the importance of digital resilience for their child or learning how to set up parental controls, this guide has everything parents need to feel confident about their child’s online safety.”

ISPCC Childline Chief Executive John Church said “ISPCC is delighted to support the Vodafone Foundation in Ireland as it launches this timely guide for parents to keep their children safe online.

The online landscape is ever-changing, and that’s a scary prospect for even the most tech-savvy of parents. The pressure on young people is ever present. This guide will be an extremely useful resource for parents wanting to equip their children with the necessary skills to navigate the online world safely.

At the ISPCC we are proud to partner with the Vodafone Foundation as we strive to support parents to ensure that children and young people have positive experiences online.”

The Tozi app – An additional online resource for children:

The Vodafone Foundation has also reminded parents and guardians that among the resources available to them is the Tozi App which helps children understand the impact their digital lives may be having on their mental wellbeing.

In partnership with Dublin City University’s Anti-Bullying Centre and the ISPCC, the Tozi App offers support for children and young people by educating them on how to be safe and well online, while offering instant support if they need it. The Tozi app is available for free download and usage from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

The Vodafone ‘Parenting in a Digital World’ guide is available to download here: V5128K09627_VF_OnlineSafety_A5_WEB.pdf (vodafone.ie)

For more information, visit www.vodafone.ie or drop by your nearest Vodafone store.