A GROUP of Southampton students have been invited to take part in the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Cyber Ambassador scheme.

Secondary school students from Oasis Academy Lord’s Hill, Mayfield, and Sholing all situated in the heart of Southampton had a morning session funded and arranged by the Office of the Hampshire Police Crime Commissioner.

The training was led by Marcia Tanyanyiwa, who taught students about a variety of safety concerns in today’s digital world – everything from cyber-bullying to financial scams, and from identity fraud to sexting.

The Cyber Ambassador scheme enables skilled-up, informed pupils to educate and offer advice and support to their peers on staying safe online.

Ben Harris, Year 8 Student at Oasis Academy Sholing, said; “The training was great fun.

"We learnt a lot about cyber safety and how to be more wary of the dangers online. I’m looking forward to sharing what we learnt with others.”

To ensure the scheme tackles topical online issues, and is delivered in a way that is engaging and relevant for young people, the training package and supporting materials were developed by members of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Youth Commission.

Paul Woodman, Director of Ethos and Hib at Oasis South Coast added; “We were very proud of our students, from across the Oasis South Coast, taking part in this day. They asked lots of fantastic questions and thought deeply about the issues facing themselves and fellow students. Thank you to everyone involved in making it a success.”

The students worked well together from across the three Southampton academies.

At the end of the day, they each received a certificate and Cyber Ambassador badge, presented by Assistant Police Crime Commissioner, Enzo Riglia.

The new and enthusiastic Cyber Ambassadors will share their learning with other students in the academy on Internet Safety Day taking place on February 11.

Claire Taylor, Principal at Oasis Academy Mayfield, and where the morning session was hosted, said; “Our students are often online, and I am delighted to see them receiving this training from the Police Crime Commissioner’s team.

"It will undoubtedly help keep our students safe in a world with ever-changing technology.”