By Colin Hutchinson, Managing Director of Fibrus
As digital connectivity becomes an ever more central part of daily life, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) that help power our online world have an important role to play in supporting education around internet safety. While parents and schools remain fundamental in shaping how children and young people engage online, businesses, and internet providers more specifically, also have an opportunity to contribute positively by using their expertise, reach and resources to support informed and responsible digital behaviour.
Access to the internet has opened more possibilities than ever before for learning, creativity and communication, from completing homework to staying connected with friends and family, being online is now woven into childhood from an early age. But those opportunities naturally bring some challenges, including cyberbullying, misinformation, privacy risks and exposure to inappropriate content. These issues are evolving quickly and without the right resources at their disposal, can be difficult for families and schools to navigate alone.
For businesses, particularly those operating in the digital and connectivity space, responsibility goes beyond delivering a reliable service, it includes helping people understand the online environment they are using every day. Education is not about telling people what to do, but about empowering individuals with the knowledge and confidence to make informed choices online, whether that’s primary school children learning to navigate the online world for the first time or teenagers who see it as an essential part of everyday life.
At Fibrus, we believe that early education is key, giving young people the awareness of potential threats, and the expertise to know how to avoid or handle them. That belief has recently been put into action through the launch of our ‘Surf Smart Stay Safe’ programme. Earlier this year, we kicked off our community engagement activity by delivering interactive, age-appropriate workshops to more than 350 pupils in P5 to P7 across schools in Northern Ireland. Designed and delivered by specialists, these sessions focused on building confidence and understanding in a way that resonates with children, using accessible and engaging activities rather than lectures.
The workshops explored practical topics such as strong password habits, recognising fake news and responding to cyberbullying. Importantly, the programme does not end when the school bell rings as each child received a take home booklet designed to encourage meaningful conversations at home. Through puzzles, games and simple guidance, the materials support parents to continue discussions in a way that feels collaborative rather than intimidating.
This kind of approach reflects a broader responsibility ISPs can embrace, championing effective internet safety education that’s inclusive, practical and supportive.
Businesses and Internet Service Providers also have an opportunity to use their position in the community to reach audiences that may otherwise feel excluded from digital conversations. By investing in education programmes, accessible resources and partnerships with local organisations, companies can help ensure that internet safety guidance reaches families from all backgrounds.
Looking ahead, it’s already clear the need for ongoing education will only increase as technology continues to evolve, with AI, new social platforms and changing online behaviours already presenting fresh challenges. Broadband businesses and internet service providers can contribute by staying engaged, listening to communities and adapting resources to reflect real world concerns.
At Fibrus, our commitment to online safety forms part of a wider focus on supporting the communities where we operate. By rolling out further educational tools and resources throughout the year, we aim to play our part in helping children and families navigate the digital world with confidence, reinforcing our commitment to bridging the digital divide bringing full fibre broadband right across Northern Ireland.
Internet safety is not the responsibility of any one group alone. It is most effective when businesses, schools and families work together to create a shared understanding of how to make the most of the online world while staying safe.