Over 100 students from schools across Ireland will today take part in an online safety training course.
The Webwise Safer Internet Day Ambassador Training Programme is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to run their own online safety campaigns in their schools and local communities.
As part of the programme, post-primary students will attend an in-person training day at Google Headquarters in Dublin, where they will receive support and guidance from the Webwise Team and the Webwise Youth Advisory Panel.
The ambassador training programme will focus on tackling key issues like online bullying, misinformation, wellbeing, privacy, and digital rights.
Safer Internet Day 2025 will be marked on 11 February, and this year's theme is "Prepare / Protect / Thrive: Navigating Algorithms and Influencers."
The 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.
"The Safer Internet Day Ambassador Programme lets students take a leading role in promoting and highlighting important online safety issues that are relevant to them," said Jane McGarrigle, National Coordinator for Webwise.
"Students participating in the programme meet with their peers to explore topics such as algorithms, the role of influencers and how we can make the internet a better place for them," Ms McGarrigle said.
Webwise is the online safety initiative of the Department of Education and co-funded by the European Commission.
It promotes safer, better internet use through awareness campaigns and educational resources for teachers, students, and parents.
"Digital media literacy is a vital skill for young people," said 17-year-old Aisling Giltinane, a member of the Webwise Youth Advisory Panel.
"This programme empowers young people to share knowledge with other students and help them make smarter choices online," she said.
Safer Internet Day is an EU wide initiative to promote a safer internet for all users, especially young people.
