Professor Brian O'Neill:

Schools certainly are central to this initiative. Many of the current activities are focused on the school. As schools reach all children, they are vital central points. There is an advisory youth panel attached to the Safer Internet Centre which is co-ordinated by Professional Development Services for Teachers, PDST. It is, therefore, an agency of the Department of Education and Skills. The panel is a central part of the annual safer Internet day programme. Many of the educational materials have arisen from initial discussions with the youth panel which is a relatively small group. It is operated via schools and activities. There is an opportunity for schools to replicate that process within each school community. Peer-led education has certainly proved most effective in communicating with young people. Many of the initiatives under the action plan on bullying, for example, showed this. The big focus on good, effective supports within schools has shown the importance of peer-led education.