Save the date! Safer Internet Day 2026

Next week, our school will be joining others nationwide on Tuesday to celebrate Safer Internet Day 2026, the largest global online safety campaign. This year’s theme, ‘Smart tech, safe choices – Exploring the safe and responsible use of AI,’ focuses on teaching children and young people the skills to use AI technology safely and responsibly, and highlights available support.

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 appropriately for things such as homework or studies.
• The risk of misuse of AI and implications of this.

Our Lower School pupils are going to be taking part in a live lesson presented by the BBC. Upper School and Sixth Form will be using their tutor time and Needs Led lessons to complete a range of activities including quizzes and discussions around ethics, bias and benefits.

As you know we always encourage families to join us in our work related to online safety and you can continue the conversation about AI technology at home. Here are some helpful resources:

• You can complete the UK Safer Internet Centre’s interactive quizzes with your child.
• Read the UK Safer Internet Centre’s tops tips for parents and carers here.
• You can share the UK Safer Internet Centre’s top tips for children and young people with your child.

You may also like to use one 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?

A key part of protecting children and young people from online harms is through preventative education. By talking about this in school and at home, we can all work towards keeping children safe when they are online. Celebrating Safer Internet Day is a great opportunity for you to re-emphasise the online safety messages we deliver throughout the year.

If you have any concerns or questions about keeping your child safe online, please do get in touch with your child’s class teacher or our Head of STEM and E-Safety Lead, Alex Pryor.