Cybersafety is of particular concern especially with the exponential rise in cyber bullying. Young people

with special educational needs are not immune to the pressures associated with online networking.

Indeed, they may experience more vulnerability in this regard. Developing healthy attitudes towards

safe and productive online engagement in our young people requires a positive approach towards social

media from parents and educators.

This innovation called Cybersmarties is an online social network designed specifically for special needs

schools to encourage safe networking and positive online behaviours among their young people. In

particular it includes a negative content filter that not only eradicates potential cyber bullying but in

doing so educates the young person by raising their awareness of the problematics of the language that

they use online. This innovation is unique in that is comprises the first emotional based reporting system

which alerts educators to incidents of cyberbullying and the emotional effect that it may have on the

recipient. Cybersmarties has the potential to facilitate national and international networking with peers

in a safe and walled garden environment.

This paper will outline the development of Cybersmarties and will illuminate its educative potential for

young people with special educational needs.