Students at Offaly secondary school commended for leadership on responsible AI usage
Tullamore Sacred Heart School students win Webwise Leadership Award for Artificial Intelligence (AI) awareness campaign
Two second year students from Sacred Heart Secondary School Tullamore, Favour Omoruyi and Alison Fitzgerald have been highly commended by Webwise for their outstanding leadership in promoting safer internet practices and responsible AI usage across the school and wider community.
Webwise, Ireland's internet safety initiative co-funded by the Department of Education and the European Commission, coordinates Safer Internet Day each February, a global movement to promote safer and more responsible use of online technology among children and young people.
Selected as Webwise Safer Internet Day ambassadors, Alison and Favour spearheaded an ambitious awareness campaign that engaged students and staff at every level. They delivered tailored workshops for first and second-year students, designing bespoke content to match each year group's needs and interests.
Throughout the campaign, the students championed the principles of inclusivity, respect and empowerment, making sure every voice was heard and felt confident tackling digital safety issues.
The campaign extended throughout the school community with a poster competition, a dedicated movie day for second-year students, and a creative "blue accessory day" that highlighted AI awareness while marking Safer Internet Day. A table quiz challenged Transition Year students, while informative posters displayed in local shops brought the message to Tullamore's wider population.
Beyond the school gates, the ambassadors leveraged social media to share practical tips on responsible AI usage, reaching a digital audience with guidance on navigating artificial intelligence safely and ethically.
"This award reflects the students' commitment to making our school and community safer online spaces," Ms Pauline McKenna, SHS Tullamore Principal said. "Their initiative demonstrates how young people can lead meaningful change around digital citizenship."
The Webwise recognition celebrates not just awareness-raising, but genuine engagement and peer-led education—positioning these students as advocates for a more informed and responsible digital community.