*This week's images come from the ES Veg Growing Club's Cultivating Community microgreen growing workshop, the Grade 5 Band/Wolf Pack Singers Winter Concert, the 'All Things Tech' after school club, pattern building during Kindergarten mathematics and a reminder of perspective in a Grade 1 art lesson.
Staying Safe Online
Next Tuesday, 10 February 2026, will be Safer Internet Day in the UK. Started over 20 years ago, this annual event is currently recognised and celebrated in 180 countries and territories worldwide. Each year, Safer Internet Day highlights a theme related to online safety; this year, the theme is “Smart tech, safe choices – Exploring the safe and responsible use of AI.”
From voice assistants, to chatbots, to algorithms, AI technology is playing an increasingly large role in all our lives. It is important that we find time to discuss these tools and the impact they can have on our own and our families’ online experiences, including:
- the news and content we see,
- the way we work, including using AI for homework or studies,
- and the risk of misuse of AI, for example to create realistic scams or non-consensual images.
education. You may want to consider using one (or more) of these prompts to start a conversation with your child:
- What’s your favourite thing to do online?
- Have you ever used an AI tool? How did it make you feel?
- What do you like about AI technology?
- Do you have any worries about AI technology?
- What advice would you give to your friends about using AI?
- Who would you talk to if you saw something worrying online?
- What more can I do to help you feel safe online?
The following tips come directly from the Safer Internet Day website.
For parents and carers
AI technology is increasingly part of all our lives, so this Safer Internet Day we are starting a conversation about how to use it safely and responsibly. Use these top tips to help keep you and your loved ones safe online.
Enjoy going online together and talk regularly about your family’s online lives
The internet is amazing and can help us all to access information and entertainment. Spend time online with your child to understand how they are using technology and talk together about the good and the bad parts of being online. Talk about your own experiences and find other opportunities to get the conversation started, like stories in the news. Make sure your child knows they can talk to you about anything that they see or experience online.
Understand where AI technology is being used and the impact it can have
From summaries on search engines, to voice assistants and photo editing tools, AI powered features are being added to many of the apps and devices we use day-to-day. Look out for information and warnings notifying you where AI technology is in use or where content has been created using AI. Help your child to recognise these, too. Remember, AI can make some tasks simpler but may also collect data about you and your family, or share unreliable information, so consider how to use it safely and responsibly.
Recognise what safe and responsible use of technology looks like
To use technology (including AI) safely and responsibly, it’s important to reflect on the potential impact it can have on yourself and others. How does your use of technology make you feel? How can you use technology with kindness and respect for others? Does your use of technology benefit you or help you build skills? How might it affect you now, and in the future? Ask these questions of your own internet use, as well as your family’s.
Stay informed with free resources
Young people have told us about the incredible ways they’re using AI, but also about their worries for what it means for the future. Issues such as the environmental impact of AI, what it means for job prospects, and the threat of deepfakes can seem scary, but remember: you don’t need to have all the answers. Stay informed using free resources like those produced for Safer Internet Day and talk to your child about their concerns about new technology – you can always work together to find more information.
Know where to go for help if something goes wrong
Like any technology, using AI comes with risks. Some AI tools, like ChatGPT, have built-in reporting features where you can raise issues such as inappropriate or harmful content. Many social media platforms also allow you to report content you suspect has been created with AI. Additionally, AI generated content can break the law. If you see illegal images that show abuse (including AI generated images), you should report these to the IWF (Internet Watch Foundation) and on the platform where they are being shared. If someone creates an image of you or your child using AI these can also be reported on the platform where they are being shared, and AI-generated inappropriate images can be reported to Report Remove (for images of under 18s).
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The Safer Internet Day website also provides these tips for parents/carers of 3 to 7 year olds:
For parents and carers of 3-7s
This Safer Internet Day, we are starting a conversation about how to use AI technology safely and responsibly. Whilst your 3 to 7 year old may not yet be ready to use the internet independently, use our top tips to start good online habits now that will help keep them safe in the future.
Enjoy going online together
Spending time online together with family is an important learning experience for the youngest internet users. Not only will you both enjoy the quality time together, but you can supervise their usage and guide them to make the safest choices.
Talk about their online experiences
Help give your child the words to explain what they’re experiencing online by starting conversations about the internet and technology as early as possible. Talking regularly about what they love doing online, as well as any worries they may have, will help establish this habit and mean they’re more likely to come to you for help as they get older.
Make use of settings and controls
Parental controls and other safety settings can help protect your child from online harms, including upsetting or inappropriate content. Think about how your child uses technology, for example if you have a smart TV or a voice assistant at home, and explore specific settings to support your household.
Introduce simple ideas about AI technology
You don’t need to be a computing expert to start conversations at home about AI. Explaining that a voice assistant is a computer, not a person, or helping your child to understand that not everything they see online is real, is a good start. Encourage them to ask questions about the technology in their lives, and even if you don’t know the answers, you can find them out together.
Make sure they know they can always come to you
The most important thing for your child to know is that you are always there to support them, online and offline. Encourage them to talk to you if anything they experience makes them feel worried or upset, and show them they can trust you to stay calm, listen and help make things better.
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Two years ago, the theme was “Together for a better internet”. The following tips come directly from the Safer Internet Day website and remain good advice after two years:
* Make space for regular conversations about life online. Talk openly and frequently about what you are doing online and encourage your child to do the same. Talk about the positive experiences you can have online, share what you have done when you have come across content you did not want to, and how you dealt with the situation.
* Make space for enjoying and exploring the online world together! Play games, watch videos, and express an interest in your child’s online life. Celebrate all the opportunities that technology has to offer, and show them what a great space the internet can be when used responsibly.
* Make space for working as a family to agree expectations for going online. Talk to your family about the role technology plays in your lives. Establish rules and expectations that encourage meaningful use of technology, in the same way you set boundaries in other areas of your children’s lives. It’s important to review these regularly and adapt them for each member of your family.
* Make space for learning about the apps, games and websites your child is using. There are lots of tools and guides to support you with keeping your child safe on whatever apps, games and websites they are using. Research age ratings, privacy settings and safety features (like the block and report button) so that you are best placed to help your child should anything go wrong.
* Make space for supporting and reassuring your child if things go wrong. Remind your child they can talk to you about anything. If something goes wrong, listen and respond with reassurance and kindness and stay calm. Work with your child to find solutions to the problem, perhaps by using the block and report tools or seeking advice from your child’s school.
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For more information, I would encourage you to visit the Safer Internet Day website. There is loads of information to be found there, all focused on helping parents/carers and children stay safe when using resources on the internet. Once you’ve had a look around there, I would urge you to make a return visit with your children, taking the time to have meaningful conversations and, perhaps, to take one of the online quizzes together.
Whatever your family’s rules are for accessing the internet while at home, please take some time to review the suggestions and resources provided by the Safer Internet Day website. There is much to consider, and the website provides you with plenty of food for thought while also offering helpful tools and activities to help you make space for important conversations with your children.
Top tips for parents & carers: link
Top tips for young people (7-11): link
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