FAQ

What is Digital Knights?

Digital Knights is a new after-school academy in South Dublin to teach kids aged 7-15 tech and cybersecurity skills prior to, and during, first posession of a device with online capabilities. Opening is planned for September 2026.

Why an after-school academy?

Becoming a parent changed my relationship with technology. While I love all things tech, my concerns about how our personal data is being gathered and used by companies and governments have grown. While my background means I can protect my own devices, data and digital footprint, doing so for my children will require education - one that is not currently covered in the curricula for primary or secondary schools. In putting together an draft of what I intend for my own kids to learn (see: curriculum ), I felt other parents who share my concerns may be interested in a similar program for their own children.

What are these concerns about tech?

There are many - from cyberbullying to viewing inappropriate or disturbing content. However, my primary concern is the collection of data for profiling and targeting content. I don't want my child getting a stream of content related to plastic surgery because they once searched for 'nose job' out of curiousity. I don't want my child getting alerts about the latest deals on a product when they happen to be in the proximity of a particular location. And, I particularly don't want my kids getting a deluge of polarising political content, specifically crafted to sway the opinions of young people.

What will kids learn in Digital Knights?

The core learning outcome for a child attending Digital Knights is to become a technologically self-sufficient digital citizen - one who is in control of their own devices, data and digital footprint. They can use technology in creative ways to solve real-world problems to benefit the communities in which they are a part. The curriculum is currently under developemnt - full information can be found on the curriculum page.

Why the medieval theme?

It can be beneficial to relate the learning of a new and unfamiliar topic to one a student already has knowledge of and a positive attitude towards. A lot of the concepts around computing, networking and online safety can be captured well in an analogy to elements from populare medieval fairytales, e.g. inside the castle walls is safe (home network), while outside (internet) can be dangerous. The castle wall is a firewall, drawbridges are ports, secret tunnels are encrypted connections, anonymity is putting on a helmet etc.

Who will teach?

Me.

Why you?

I have spent over two decades in the fields of technology and education, designing and delivering courses for children and college students. I hold a PhD in Computer Science from UCD and the CISSP cybersecurity certification from ISC2. I spent 5 years developing and delivering a curriculum for primary school ESL students, 4 years as a Teaching Assistant for UCD Computer Science, and most recently, 2 years designing courses and lecturing at Trinity College Dublin in Speech and Language Technologies. I am confident I have the necessary skils and experience to create and deliver a tech and cybersecurity curriculum for children.

Why not leave this education to schools?

I believe this topic is best taught by experts in the field who actively keep up to date with what is going on. Teachers, particularly in primary school, have enough on their plates without being expected to become highly proficient in tech and cybersecurity as well.

Why not leave this education to parents?

If a parent has sufficient knowledge, time and ability to educate their children on this subject, then they should go right ahead.

Won't the upcoming smartphone and social media bans for kids solve the problems you have indetified?

No. (See upcoming article).

How does Digital Knights differ from other coding classes for kids?

From a review of the publicly available information on other technology and computer related classes currently available for children in Dublin, the focus appears to primarily be on teaching coding as a useful skill for future success. Digital Knights differes in both content and focus. The content includes a broader range of technical skills at an earlier age, with the main focus on building technical self-sufficiency to ensure safety and privacy when the child possesses an internet enabled device of their own.

Who might be interested in these classes?

If you are reading this page, it is likely you are a parent who has an interest in this subject matter. You probably fall into one or more of the following groups:

• Share the concerns I outlined above in regards to tracking and profiling.
• Want your children to have more/earlier education on technology and cybersecurity than is available in the standard school curriculum for STEM.
• Believe the teaching of tech and cybersecurity is better carried out by those with expertise in these fields.
• Want to provide a solid foundation for Junior and Leaving Cert Technology and Computer Science options.
• Wish to give you children a skill which will be useful for the rest of their lives, no matter which career they choose.

Will there be classes/grinds for these Junior and leaving Cert subjects?

Not at the moment. Possibly in the future if there is demand.

Will there be education for parents?

Yes. In parallel to the curriculum, there will be articles published on this website and information sessions provided for parents if there is demand.

When is the ideal time to enroll?

Three years prior to possessing their first mobile phone, beginning at 7-10 years old. This will allow them to follow the standard curriculum schedule.

What is my child already has a smartphone?

They can still follow the curriculum. However, unless their phone is compatible with the privacy focussed Operating System used in the course (currently Graphene OS running on Google Pixel), they will need to change phones upon entering level 3. Additionally, any existing email accounts, logins, passwords, browser etc. will also likely require an overhaul.

What if my child uses the tech skills they learn to get around my parental controls etc.?

Digital Knights will introduce a code of conduct for children that must be agreed upon before classes start. However, individual levels of parental monitoring are a family matter. Options for parental monitoring is a topic that could be covered in a parents information session.

When will classes be held?

Starting September 2026, classes to be held after school during term time. Each class will last 50 minutes.

How many students per class?

Maximum 8. Small class sizes are required to give sufficient attention to each student.

What will it cost?

TBD - pricing will aim to be similar to other similar after school educational academies.

Where are you based?

A location for the academy has not been selected yet. If there is sufficient interest (based on numbers registered on the waitlist), a location wil be chosen that is convenient to the majority (applicants are asked to include their county/postcode area). This data will be used to decide on a location. If you wish to express an interest for your own child/children to join these classes in September 2026, please fill in the waitlist application form.