Quickline Communications has helped the huge number of children across North Yorkshire and Lincolnshire
Thousands of primary school children have taken part in the project, supported by Quickline.(Image: Quickline Communications)
A Hull business has helped more than 5,500 children to boost vital knowledge of online safety in a new internet programme. Rural broadband provider Quickline Communications has helped the huge number of primary school children across North Yorkshire and Lincolnshire by providing funding for major internet safety project Barney and Echo Caught in the Web.
Launched last year, the Barney and Echo Caught in the Web education programme teaches children how to deal with issues such as online bullying, personal security, gaming and social media, through a story in which Barney helps Echo and his friends to face the potential dangers of going online. Run by The Police Community Clubs of Great Britain in partnership with Amber Bee CIC, the programme reached 72 schools between January and July this year, helping a grand total of 5,584 children aged nine to 11, and more than 8,300 carers and parents.
With the help of Tom Stoat the Woodland Wizard and Barney, all children who took part in the project reported improved knowledge of online safety. And every school also reported that pupils gained a better understanding of cyberbullying and strategies to protect themselves and their peers.
Ian Jackson, project leader for Barney and Echo, said this learning comes at a crucial stage because, as children move from primary to secondary school, their internet use typically increases. He said that early intervention helps to provide the skills they need to navigate the online world safely.
Mr Jackson said: “The funding from Quickline has been crucial. Thanks to their involvement, we have delivered vital resources and educational programmes to schools across North Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and the East Riding, ensuring children are better prepared to tackle the challenges that are presented whilst using the internet.
“The Barney and Echo Caught in the Web Project equips children, parents and teachers with the knowledge to help them use the internet in an age appropriate and safe way. Early intervention can keep children safe online, make a lifelong difference, and we are proud to have Quickline as a partner in this important work.”
Children taking part in the Barney and Echo Caught in the Web project.(Image: Quickline Communications)
Nearly 80% of families took part in homework activities together, opening up conversations about online safety at home. Teachers also volunteered 699 hours to deliver sessions, demonstrating the importance placed on digital safeguarding within schools.
All 72 participating schools have also requested to continue next year, and the project will expand in 2025/26. Roadshow events are scheduled for November at Whitby Pavilion and Grimsby’s Centre 4 Community Centre, while a new programme will launch in January 2026 to support Year 5 and 6 pupils as they transition to secondary school.
Rachel Bowerman, social values team leader at Quickline, said: “Quickline’s commitment goes beyond broadband. We run a dedicated programme of social value work to support the communities we serve.
“Helping broaden horizons for young people is at the heart of this, so we’re proud to enable the Barney and Echo project to reach schools across North Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. We’re especially looking forward to meeting some of the 70 participating schools at the live internet safety roadshows later this year.”
The initiative forms part of Quickline’s wider social value commitment under Project Gigabit – the Government-funded programme to enable hard-to-reach communities to access fast, reliable gigabit-capable broadband. Last year, Quickline was awarded four contracts covering Yorkshire and most of Lincolnshire, enabling it to bring lightning-fast broadband to 170,000 hard-to-reach homes and businesses.
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