Ballymena's children urged to 'Bee Safe'

An important multi-agency, regional education programme, ‘Bee Safe’ brings together statutory, voluntary and private organisations from across Northern Ireland to deliver a safety education programme aimed at children in the primary seven age group.

Local PSNI Schools Liaison Officers, Constable Billy O’Flaherty, and Constable David Hill, have joined with representatives from NIE, The Fire And Rescue Service, Ballymena Borough Council, Translink and Threshold to bring a structured safety message to around 900 children, from 28 primary schools in the Ballymena area.

The Officers will emphasise the importance of internet safety including the use of social networks, while the other agencies represented will offer advice regarding drugs awareness, arson, hoax telephone calls to the emergency services, safety awareness at electricity sub stations and pylons, behaviour and safety issues on buses, and safety in the home.

Inspector Pete Bouma commented: “The ‘Bee Safe’ initiative is one of a number of projects designed to promote safety and reduce crime and disorder, and is invaluable in highlighting issues that are of importance to children.

“We are also hopeful that the scheme will have a wider impact as the children bring the safety messages home and pass them on to their siblings and parents.”