Monaghan students lead the way in promoting online safety

Two students from Co Monaghan are among over 100 students from across Ireland taking part in the Webwise Safer Internet Day (SID) Ambassador Training Programme 2026.

This peer-led initiative equips students with the knowledge and skills to run their own online safety campaigns within their schools and local communities. As part of the programme, Naoise Nesbitt and Tara O’Brien from St Louis Secondary School Monaghan attended an in-person training day in Dublin, where they received guidance and support from Webwise and the Webwise Youth Advisory Panel.

The Ambassador Training Programme empowers students to play a leading role in creating a safer, better internet by addressing key issues like online bullying, misinformation, wellbeing, privacy, and digital rights. Safer Internet Day 2026 took place on Tuesday, February 10, under the theme 'AI Aware: Safe, Smart and in Control'. This year’s campaign encourages schools, parents, young people, and educators to reflect on how AI technologies are shaping children’s online experiences. It highlights the benefits, risks and challenges of AI, and aims to empower them to engage with AI safely and responsibly.

Safer Internet Day (SID) is an EU-wide initiative to promote a safer internet for all users, especially young people. It is promoted in Ireland by the Oide Technology in Education and Webwise, with over 200,000 people taking part in last year’s celebrations.

Want to get involved?

Everyone has a role to play in creating a safer internet. Schools, parents, and young people can access a wide range of free resources and activity ideas to get involved, including free SID2026 AI Aware: Safe, Smart and in Control lessons for primary and post-primary, as well as a new parent-supports such as ‘A Parent’s Guide to Generative AI’. Visit the Webwise Safer Internet Day Hub at webwise.ie/saferinternetday

About Webwise

Webwise is the online safety initiative of the Department of Education and Youth and co-funded by the European Commission. It promotes safer, better internet use through awareness campaigns and educational resources for teachers, students, and parents.

Webwise provides information, tools and resources for teachers and parents to support their education and engagement in children’s online lives.