Safer Internet Day - empowering schools in the positive use of AI

Safer Internet Day is here again, and this year the theme is "Smart tech, safe choices – Exploring the safe and responsible use of AI". It is the perfect opening for schools to explore the opportunities and risks afforded by artificial intelligence (AI) and consider a safeguarding-first approach across their community. To support your Safer Internet Day, we've shared some key pointers and useful resources to help empower your pupils, staff, parents and carers in the safe and responsible use of AI.

Teaching and Learning

When implemented safely and effectively, AI can transform learning and teaching. However, in light of the recent publication of DfE's product safety standards, most AI tools in their current form are NOT compliant and should not be used with children. Schools should, however, focus on upskilling pupils to explore the ethical issues, safety considerations and responsible use, as many children are likely to continue accessing AI platforms at home.

To help teachers start these conversations, we’ve collated a selection of curriculum resources and activities at genai.lgfl.net, where you can filter by topic and key stage. Do also take a look at the 2026 RSHE Guidance on incorporating basic principles of AI safety across the curriculum.

Take a look at our dedicated Safer Internet Day page for additional tips and support to help make the day as productive as possible. 

We need to be consistent with AI messaging to parents and carers, so they can remain vigilant, understand the safety implications and keep their children safe at home. Why not try the following:

• Share our video with parents and carers about harms children and young people are being exposed to online with generative AI tools - which are freely available on many popular social media sites and websites. Watch it here and share the link in your parent newsletter.
• Download our parent letter here and share this. It outlines the safeguarding implications of Generative AI, as well as helpful tips for parents to support their child at home.
• Run your own parent online safety session!  We know it's not easy to talk to parents about online safety - so we've created a ready-to-use presentation for you to deliver. Find top tips, discussion starters and resources to help empower them and start key safeguarding conversations around AI and online safety. Simply select the topic(s) from the menu and use practitioner notes/prompts to support your discussions. Why not get your pupils to present alongside you for more impact? Download it at parentonlinesafety.lgfl.net
• Share this guide from the Safe AI for Children Alliance on the key risks- https://www.safeaiforchildren.org/ai-risks-to-children-full-guide/ 
• Use our collated resources at reporting.lgfl.net to share with parents about how to seek support for any online safety concerns. 

Staff

Remember, when it comes to staff use, schools must firstly consider why and how their staff would staff use AI, and the impact it may have. Which platforms would be best and safest? How do you decide which tools to use? Who is responsible for approval? Has a Data Protection Impact Assessment been completed? What guidance has been provided to staff on what data they should and should not put into any AI? We recommend that schools take a cautious approach to this and make sure there are robust policies and processes in place to mitigate risks and ensure effective practice.

We have some considerations about this here: https://viewonline.lgfl.net/hubfs/SafeguardED/Evaluating%20AI%20Tools.png

As a start. Share the following with staff and colleagues:

• Adopting a "safeguarding first" approach to AI - this webinar explores the risks of Generative AI and key ways schools can ensure they adopt an approach which keeps children safe.

• Gen AI and safeguarding risks - put this poster up in your staffroom and take them through key points at your next briefing.
  

• CEOP guide on responding to AI-generated CSAM - use this guide to help staff understand and respond to AI-generated child sexual abuse material

Further resources and support:

• Find lots more top tips and ideas on our Safer Internet Day page

• Download additional resources to support your whole school approach to AI at genai.lgfl.net

And remember, every day is Safer Internet Day, so do ensure revisiting key topics and continuing the conversation throughout the year