CAUGHT in the Net has won the first awards scheme celebrating online safety in the UK.

Launched by internet security company, ESET, the CyberSmart Awards recognise individuals and organisations across the country leading initiatives to educate others about Internet safety.

Caught in the Net is a drama performance and workshop group aiming to raise awareness in schools about online dangers.

Based in Scotland, the scheme aims to educate young people, parents and carers about issues such as cyber-bullying, online grooming, identity theft, mobile phone addiction and organised crime. It will also be performed at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe.

As winner of the awards scheme, Caught in the Net was presented with a cheque for £5,000 to further develop and enhance its work in promoting internet safety. Two runner-up entries, Make IT Happy and Learning for the Fourth Age, were each rewarded with prize money worth £500 to further support their causes.

Supported by the UK Safer Internet Centre, the scheme saw 24 nominations put forward, ranging from schemes supporting internet safety training in schools to Scouting and drama organisations. The awards ceremony took place at Birmingham Science Museum.

“We’re absolutely delighted to be declared winners of the CyberSmart Awards 2013,” said Rachel Vevers, founder, with Fraser Morrison, of Caught in the Net.

“We have a passion for educating young people about the dangers they face online. We will use the grant to not only encourage more people to become involved with the performance group but also to subsidise the cost of the show to as many schools as possible.

“The rapid development of technology we need to cover means we constantly require new equipment and materials. The funding will go a long way in helping us obtain these.”

Paul Brooks, chief executive and owner of ESET UK, said: “We’ve been overwhelmed with the outstanding quality and creativity of the nominations put forward for the awards. Communities up and down the UK should feel encouraged and empowered to spread the message of internet safety.

“The Internet has brought a multitude of benefits to every aspect of our daily lives and it’s essential we all have the ability to navigate the online world safely.”

Head of the UK Safer Internet Centre, David Wright, said: “The online world is in constant evolution and can be complex to navigate safely.

“As technology and internet usage become ever more embedded into our daily lives, it’s extremely important to foster and encourage the development of safer internet use by all members of the community.

“All those schemes which entered this year’s awards should be proud of their commitment to such a worthwhile cause.”

The next CyberSmart Awards will open for entries in January, 2014.