Ten pupils have been trained by members of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Youth Commission to recognise signs such as grooming, stalking and trolling, and to know what to do to stay safe.
The pupils will share their new knowledge with their fellow students and be able to offer support and advice on cyber concerns to those who want to talk things through with someone their own age.
Mill Chase is one of seven secondary and eight primary schools which have signed up to pilot the youth commission’s cyber ambassador scheme.
Police and Crime Commissioner Michael Lane said: “Cyber security for all ages really matters. Our lives are increasingly played out online, with younger people in particular making the most of the benefits that technology can bring.
“However those who wish us harm are also increasingly using technology, they are clever and we all need to understand the risks these people and their activity creates.”
Pastoral support assistant at Mill Chase School Miss Riva said: “It is extremely important that our students understand the risks of using the internet and it’s brilliant that they can share what they have learnt to teach other students to stay safe.”
Cyber ambassador, Lucas, 13, said: “The experience has been fun and enjoyable because they have taught us about being safe online by using games.”
Youth commission member Sophie Smith said: “We hope that by implementing our cyber ambassador programme, young people will feel more confident reaching out to their peers for support and it will equip many young people with the skills to maintain personal safety when using the internet."
Meanwhile, pupils at Medstead Primary School have completed their training and are now fully equipped to help other pupils stay safe. The two Year 5 pupils are helping to pilot the new peer-led scheme.
Acting deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Flick Drummond, who attended the training on the commissioner’s behalf, said: “This is an excellent programme which I hope will be rolled out through all schools in Hampshire, Southampton, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight. Our children need to be more resilient than ever before.”