BUDDING football stars have been given a grounding in safe and sound use of the internet.

Sunderland AFC joined the world-wide Safer Internet Day campaign to promote the responsible use of technology.

The Premier League club is educating its younger academy members about creating a better and safer online community, joining hundreds of organisations across the UK and more than 100 countries taking part in the global celebration.

Lessons for youngsters included a session on the dangers and impacts of social media alongside online contact and messaging.

The club’s head of education and welfare, Don Peattie, said: “It is important that as part of the young players’ journey they are educated about the responsible use of technology.

“People are being more frequently introduced to the internet and social media from an early age and we, as a club, have a responsibility to teach our younger academy members about both the positive and negative effects of the internet.

“Safer Internet Day provides the perfect forum for us to do that and today’s activities have been very informative for everyone at the club.”

The club was taking part in a nationwide day of action involving the #SID2017 social media campaign, and a wide range of youth events where young people took the opportunity to have their say about the digital issues effecting them.

It was backed by the UK Safer Internet Centre and Childnet, with further information available via www.saferinternetday.org.uk, or by ringing 0207-260 2700.