Pictured at the recent Webwise Safer Internet Day Ambassador Training Day were Natalia Lison and Norah Muldowney, both of whom are students at Athlone Community College.

Athlone Community College students lead the way in promoting internet safety

Published: Tue 3 Feb 2026, 10:52 AM

Two students from Athlone Community College were among over 100 students from across Ireland to take part in the Webwise Safer Internet Day (SID) Ambassador Training Programme 2026.

Natalia Lison and Norah Muldowney represented their school at a recent in-person training day in Dublin which equips students with the knowledge and skills to run their own online safety campaigns within their schools and local communities.The two Athlone Community College students received guidance and support from Webwise and the Webwise Youth Advisory Panel at the training day where key issues including online bullying, misinformation, well-being, privacy, and digital rights were addressed.

The Ambassador Training Programme empowers students to play a leading role in creating a safer, better internet, and both Natalia and Norah have been entrusted with running their own online safety campaigns in their schools and local community as a result of their participation in the Ambassador programme.

Safer Internet Day 2026 takes place on Tuesday week, February 10, with 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.