Member Article

Academy CICS Cyber Bullies Off The Net

Following the successes of its pilot scheme, Agent Academy CIC’s second programme is now underway. The second cohort of this ground-breaking programme is currently developing a campaign targeted at supporting young people at risk from online abuse.

Agent Academy CIC is a fully-funded programme that introduces ten young people to the world of marketing. Students will discover and develop their raw talent through hands-on engagement and project-based learning as well as engaging with influential figures from across the city region.

The academy’s latest programme is supported by NHS Liverpool Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG). It has been designed as a reaction to the worrying rise in online bullying and trolling that young people may fall victim to.

Over 12 weeks, the Academy’s ten students will explore the marketing industry and receive guidance from organisations including; Juice FM, Heart of Mersey and Knowsley Council to benefit the online safety campaign, a project created by young people for young people.

Director of Agent Academy CIC, Paul Corcoran, said:

“Our latest programme recognises the impact of online bullying and the importance of internet safety in our society. This campaign tackles a serious issue that currently affects young people across the UK.

“By connecting our students with key organisations and individuals from across the city, and providing them with a platform to gain hands-on marketing experience, Agent Academy is bridging the gap between traditional academia and the skills required for today’s workplace.”

Upon completion, Agent Academy’s latest campaign plan will be rolled out at The Studio school, located in the Baltic Triangle, and utilised by the digital-specialist school.

Shaun McInerney, Principal at The Studio, said:

“Agent Academy’s online safety campaign will be invaluable to the lives of thousands of digitally connected young people across the UK, and I’m delighted to roll out their project at The Studio school.

“It’s important that appropriate measures are put in place to protect our young people. The Academy has referenced the increasingly large role that digital technology and the internet occupy in our society.”

Dave Antrobus, Lay Member at NHS Liverpool Clinical Commissioning Group, said:

“We’re incredibly supportive of the Academy’s latest campaign that will equip Liverpool’s young people with the tools to combat the online threats that are emerging in the digital world.

“NHS Liverpool CCG is incredibly excited to see what these ten talented young people will produce to benefit the mental and emotional wellbeing of young people from across our region, and indeed further afield!”

Agent Academy CIC is the first of its kind in Liverpool and, indeed, the country. The programme, which will run up to four times per year, is a social enterprise, therefore the programmes are fully funded with investment coming from Agent Marketing’s profits.

To find out more please visit www.agentacademy.org.uk, email tom@agentacademy.org.uk or head to Twitter and follow @Agent_Academy.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Agent Academy .