Fibrus launches major online safety campaign for NI pupils with Randalstown school at centre of rollout

Fibrus specialist with students in Mount St Michael’s Primary School, Randalstown. 

A new campaign to help children across Northern Ireland navigate the risks of the digital world has been launched, with a key rollout event taking place at Mount St Michael’s Primary School in Randalstown.

Full fibre broadband provider Fibrus has begun delivering its “Surf Smart Stay Safe” initiative in primary schools, aiming to equip pupils with practical skills to stay safe online — from tackling cyberbullying to recognising fake news — as part of a wider push to strengthen digital awareness among young people.

The launch phase has already reached hundreds of pupils, with Randalstown among the first locations to host the programme.

Workshops begin in Randalstown as campaign rolls out

Mount St Michael’s Primary School played a central role in the early stages of the campaign, welcoming Fibrus into the classroom to deliver interactive workshops to pupils.

The sessions form part of the first cohort of the initiative, which has already reached 350 pupils in Primary 5 to Primary 7 across Cookstown, Downpatrick and Randalstown.

Delivered by specialist facilitators, the workshops focus on building children’s confidence online through engaging, age-appropriate activities. Pupils are guided through real-world digital challenges, including:

• understanding and responding to cyberbullying

• protecting passwords and personal information

• identifying misinformation and fake content online

The programme is designed not just to inform, but to actively build digital resilience among children who are increasingly exposed to online environments at younger ages.

Interactive learning designed to involve families

Students at Mount St Michael's Primary School, Randalstown checking out the Surf Smart Stay Safe booklet - an interactive guide for primary school children, addressing topics such as cyberbullying, fake news and online privacy through a series of puzzles, crosswords and practical advice. 

A key element of the campaign extends beyond the classroom.

Each pupil receives a 12-page take-home booklet, designed as an interactive guide featuring puzzles, crosswords and practical advice. The resource encourages children to continue learning at home, while also prompting parents to engage in conversations about online safety.

By linking school-based learning with home discussion, the initiative aims to create a more consistent and supportive approach to digital awareness for young people.

Fibrus outlines long-term community commitment

The campaign forms part of Fibrus’ broader commitment to supporting the communities it serves across Northern Ireland, particularly as digital connectivity continues to expand.

Colin Hutchinson, Group Managing Director of Fibrus, said the initiative reflects the growing importance of digital safety in everyday life for children.

“Being a young person today means having more access than ever to the digital world, but there can be a serious side to it, including learning to stay safe online.

“We are very happy to work with community groups and schools across Northern Ireland in producing these very helpful booklets. Hopefully they will encourage hundreds of children to take a fresh look at staying safe online.

“We’re committed to ensuring the communities we serve stay safe online and are proud to support young people with the knowledge and confidence they need to navigate the online world, which will be part of their lives for years to come.”

Fibrus has confirmed that further educational tools and resources will be released throughout the year, expanding the reach of the campaign both in schools and at home.

School leaders welcome focus on real-world digital risks

Students at Mount St Michael's Primary School with their Surf Smart Stay Safe booklet. 

At Mount St Michael’s Primary School in Randalstown, the initiative has been welcomed as a timely intervention for pupils growing up in an increasingly digital environment.

Principal Padraig Shivers said the workshops address a critical need for guidance and education around online behaviour.

“We are always looking for ways to help our pupils build the skills they need to stay safe and confident online. The internet is a brilliant tool for learning and creativity, but young children need guidance to understand how to use it responsibly.

“We are delighted to welcome Fibrus into our school to deliver an excellent workshop on this hugely important issue. It is fantastic to have local businesses who really care about its community and understand the challenges facing families every day.”

Expanding reach as digital challenges grow

With children across Northern Ireland spending increasing amounts of time online for education, entertainment and social interaction, the campaign arrives at a point when digital literacy is becoming a core life skill.

The early rollout in Randalstown and other locations marks the beginning of a wider programme expected to reach many more schools in the months ahead, as Fibrus continues to expand both its network and its community engagement initiatives.

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At a glance

• Fibrus has launched its “Surf Smart Stay Safe” online safety campaign across Northern Ireland

• Mount St Michael’s Primary School in Randalstown hosted a key early workshop

• 350 pupils in P5–P7 have already taken part across Cookstown, Downpatrick and Randalstown

• Workshops cover cyberbullying, password safety and fake news awareness

• Programme delivered through interactive sessions led by specialists

• Pupils receive a 12-page take-home booklet with activities and advice

• Initiative encourages parents to engage in online safety discussions at home

• Campaign forms part of Fibrus’ wider community investment

• More educational tools and school sessions planned throughout the year