More than 5,500 primary school children across North Yorkshire and Lincolnshire have completed a major internet safety programme, supported by rural broadband provider Quickline Communications.

The Barney and Echo Caught in the Web project, run by The Police Community Clubs of Great Britain in partnership with Amber Bee CIC, reached 72 schools between January and July 2025. In total, 5,584 children aged 9–11—and over 8,300 parents and carers—engaged with the initiative.

The programme provided vital lessons on digital safety, covering password protection, safeguarding personal information, and the risks of interacting with strangers online. Every school reported that pupils gained a better understanding of cyberbullying and strategies for self-protection.

This early intervention is timed for a crucial stage, as children's internet use typically increases when they transition from primary to secondary school. The organisers state it helps build digital resilience and improves confidence. The project exceeded expectations, with 100% of children reporting improved knowledge of online safety.

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, with nearly 80% of families taking part in homework activities together, which opened up conversations about online safety at home. Teachers also volunteered 699 hours to deliver the sessions.

The success of the programme has led to all 72 participating schools requesting 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, and a new programme will launch in January 2026 to support Year 5 and 6 pupils.

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, which will bring high-speed broadband to 170,000 homes and businesses.