EDUCATION for children and their parents about the possible dangers of being online is key, Michelle O'Neill has said.
The deputy first minister was speaking during a Safer Internet Day visit to Holy Trinity PS in west Belfast.
Holy Trinity has been awarded both the 360 Degree Internet Safety award and Cyber Resilience and Internet Safety Award.
"We all have a collective responsibility to ensure the wellbeing of our children," Ms O'Neill said.
"In today's digital age, keeping them safe online is a hugely important part of this. We need to help children to understand and protect against the risks of using the internet, as well as teach them about the importance of being kind and respectful to each other online.
“Education for young people and their parents about the possible dangers of being online, and how to avoid them, is key."