SWAP Fund - The Snap Trap

Background

2engage CIC is a creative social enterprise committed to using performance and storytelling to address real-world issues affecting young people. With growing concerns around online safety, particularly among pupils in Years 5 and 6, 2engage developed ‘The Snap Trap’ -a theatre-based session designed to educate children about the risks of online bullying, social media misuse and grooming.

To support the delivery of this vital initiative, 2engage successfully applied to the Police and Crime Commissioner’s SWAP Fund, enabling them to reach a wider audience across Cheshire East, Halton and Warrington.

The project

14 primary schools benefitted from ‘The Snap Trap’. The sessions combined engaging performances with interactive discussions, bringing to life the experiences of children affected by unsafe online behaviour. Parents were also invited to attend, encouraging open conversations at home.

In total, more than 600 pupils directly participated in the sessions, with nearly 40 other individuals—including teachers, parents, and safeguarding professionals—benefiting indirectly. Feedback was collected from all participating schools, with pupils asked to share key takeaways and planned actions.

Common lessons learned included:

• Avoid talking to strangers online
• Don’t share personal information
• Speak to a trusted adult
• Follow SMART online safety rules

Planned actions included:

• Turning off location settings
• Only communicating with known individuals
• Avoiding sharing personal photos
• Blocking unknown contacts
• Involving trusted adults in online activities

Impact

The project had a significant and measurable impact. Pupils left the sessions more informed and empowered to make safer choices online. Teachers and parents reported increased awareness and confidence in discussing online safety with children.

All of those who provided feedback said they would recommend the session to others. Every response included a positive testimonial, highlighting the session’s effectiveness and relevance.

Thanks to the Police and Crime Commissioner’s SWAP Fund, 2engage CIC was able to deliver a powerful, preventative initiative that not only educated but inspired action—helping to keep children safer in an increasingly digital world.