The Barney and Echo Caught in the Web project launched earlier this year and has exceeded expectations, with every child who participated reporting improved knowledge of online safety.
Run by The Police Community Clubs of Great Britain in partnership with Amber Bee CIC, the programme reached 72 schools between January and July 2025. In total, 5,584 children aged 9 to 11 – and more than 8,300 parents and carers – have engaged with the initiative.
The project delivered vital lessons on how to stay safe online. Children learned about password protection, safeguarding personal information and the risks of interacting with strangers.
Every school also reported that pupils gained a better understanding of cyberbullying and strategies to protect themselves and their peers.
This learning comes at a crucial stage. As children move from primary to secondary school, their internet use typically increases. Early intervention helps build digital resilience, improves confidence and provides the skills needed to navigate the online world safely.
Ian Jackson, Project Leader for Barney and Echo, 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”
Strong parental involvement was another key outcome. 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.
The value of the programme is clear, with all 72 participating schools requesting to continue next year. Building on its success, 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 our wider social value commitment under our UK Government Project Gigabit contracts covering Yorkshire and most of Lincolnshire, enabling us to bring lightning-fast broadband to 170,000 hard-to-reach homes and businesses.
By backing projects like Barney and Echo, we are helping to ensure children in rural areas are not only better connected, but also better equipped to thrive in an increasingly digital society.
Read more on how Quickline are helping schools with online safety or discover the community groups we’ve supported. Be sure to follow Quickline on LinkedIn for the latest news and updates.
