Press Release
Make your child’s computer fun magical, and Safe!
UPC launches free Magic Desktop software for parents and families nationwide
Parents have control, computers have protection, children have fun.
Wednesday 7th March 2012: In a nationwide initiative, UPC Ireland has launched Magic Desktop, an innovative piece of software which will help parents as they encourage children to play and learn in a safe computing environment. Designed specially for children from 2 – 10 years of age, UPC Magic Desktop allows them to have fun safely through a delightful desktop interface of their own while sealing off the wider computer and managing online access with parental controls. The windows based software is free to download for every household, family or school at
The initiative was launched today by UPC Ireland CEO, Dana Strong and teacher Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin at a special magic show for children in St. Brigid’s Primary School, Haddington Road in Dublin. The launch has been welcomed by the National Parents Council, andWebwisethe internet safety initiative of the National Centre for Technology in Education (NCTE).
UPC Magic Desktop provides a child-friendly, safe and easy to use computing environment with early learning programmes and clever games to help children get the most from their computer usage. Fun features include children’s mail, reading, writing, numbers, maths, painting and music.Features for parents include computer access controls, system and data protection and content supervision. They can approve and manage what their children can access and who they can contact.
Dana Strong, Chief Executive of UPC Ireland commented,
“The launch of UPC Magic Desktop forms a leading element of our commitment to digital inclusion for all, early skills development and online safety. Unlike most parental control software which requires you to block websites that could be inappropriate, the Magic Desktop requires parents to pre-approve the websites that children can access which gives them total control over their children’s computer usage and provides a very enjoyable and entertaining experience for children.”
Áine Lynch, Chief Executive, National Parents Council said,
“The priority for computer literacy begins at a very early age and so does the necessity to ensure that clear boundaries are set to protect children around the appropriateness of the various content and interactions that they may be exposed to through computer usage. Clearly that is a parental responsibility and obligation and we believe that this Magic Desktop software from UPC will provide a valuable and useful tool for parents as they encourage computer usage by their children in a safe and enjoyable manner.”
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Simon Grehan, National Centre for Technology in Education (NCTE) said,
“Computers and the web are a fantastic resource and it’s essential for children to learn about them appropriately as early and as safely as possible to ensure their inclusion in digital society. Rather than trying to stop children using computers or the internet, the UPC Magic Desktop allows them to experience computers in a secure environment. Children can learn how to use a computer beneficially and without any exposure to some of the undesirable factors that can sometimes be associated with the online world.”
Download Magic Desktop at:
For further details, please contact:
Anna-Maria Barry UPC: 01 245 8062
Tim Kinsella / Julie Dilger, MKC Communications - 086 813 7512