Offaly students lead the way in promoting online safety

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

Alison Fitzgerald and Favour Omoruyi, students at Seacred Heart School, Tullamore were part of the peer-led initiative that aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to run their own online safety campaigns within their schools and local communities.

As part of the programme, the Offaly students 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 will take place on Tuesday, February 10, under the theme 'AI Aware: Safe, Smart & 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, and is promoted in Ireland by the Oide Technology in Education and Webwise, with over 200,000 people taking part in last year’s event.