Cavan students lead way in promoting online safety

Two students from Virginia College are among over 100 across Ireland taking part in the Webwise Safer Internet Day (SID) Ambassador Training Programme 2025.

The peer-led initiative equips students with the knowledge and skills to run online safety campaigns in their own schools and local communities.

As part of the programme, Maureen England and Alicia Bourgoin attended an in-person training day in Dublin, where they received support and guidance from the Webwise Youth Advisory Panel.

The Ambassador Training Programme empowers students to take a leading role in creating a safer, better internet by tackling key issues like online bullying, misinformation, wellbeing, privacy, and digital rights.

The theme for Safer Internet Day 2025, which has been organised for on Tuesday, February 11, is 'Prepare / Protect / Thrive: Navigating Algorithms and Influencers'.

This year’s campaign encourages schools, parents, young people, and educators to explore how algorithms and influencers shape young people’s online lives. The aim is to equip children with the skills to navigate the opportunities and challenges of these powerful online influences.

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 events.