Curriculum Blog

Internet Safety Day 2026 - Smart tech, safe choices – Exploring the safe and responsible use of AI

Written by Belinda Evans | Feb 6, 2026 3:14:45 PM

 

Safer Internet Day 2025 will take place on Tuesday, February 10th, 2026.

This global initiative aims to promote a safer and more responsible internet, especially for children and young people, with the theme this year being 'Smart tech, safe choices – Exploring the safe and responsible use of AI'

With the launch of the updated Department for Education (DfE) Generative AI: Product Safety Standards, understanding the role of AI for all is increasingly important

The updated Generative AI: Product Safety Standards shifts the focus from basic data privacy to the psychological and developmental safety of students.

These new benchmarks require EdTech tools to actively protect learners’ mental health by detecting signs of distress,  such as self-harm or isolation,  and immediately signposting them to human support while alerting school safeguarding leads.

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.

 

Watch LGfL's Alex Dave, LGfL's Safeguarding Lead, discuss the Generative AI: Product Safety Standards here at the recent BETT panel discussion  

 

SID resources to support this year's theme

 
 
The 2026 Safer Internet Day (SID) explores the impact of AI on our lives - from free school resources on chatbots to expert advice for parents, the UK Safer Internet Centre provides the tools needed to navigate the world of smart technology responsibly and help deliver impactful Safer Internet Day sessions, focusing on the safe and responsible use of AI.
 

There are age-appropriate packs for children and young people aged 3 to 18.

Each set includes everything needed for a successful session, from slides to assemblies. Accompanying letters to parents and carers will also be available soon on the SID site to support your school community.

Bilingual versions in Welsh and Irish are also being made available through regional government support.  

 

Maisie asks AI to generate a scary image for her to see what it does.

The image is scarier than she thought it would be and makes her feel nervous.

What should Maisie do?

Would you or your pupils know what to do in this scenario?

 Use the Safer Internet Day quiz to work through the use of AI with your pupils 

 

LGfL Resources to support this year's theme

  • Access the LGfL Safer Internet Day page at sid.lgfl.net for lots of great ideas for staff, curriculum and parents. It is specifically being used to host and highlight materials for Safer Internet Day 2026

  • Read the Safeguarding blog, which supports Safer Internet Day from a safeguarding perspective (great to share with your DSL!)

  • genai.lgfl.net is a dedicated resource portal created by LGfL to help schools, staff, and parents navigate the rise of Generative AI.

  • We need to be consistent in our 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 video:


  • Explore the LGfL and EdTech Hubs AI in Education resource, bringing together advice and experiences from across the EdTech Hub community. It features EdTech leaders discussing innovative uses of AI across everyday teaching and learning, leadership support, and productivity enhancements through The AI Lab.

 

 

Other resources for SID 2026

BBC Safer Internet Day Live lesson

In addition to resources from the Safer Internet Centre, the BBC is hosting an AI-themed Live Lesson on Safer Internet Day 2026 to explore how to stay safe online.

Designed for primary school pupils, the interactive lesson will address the online safety challenges young people face today.

The 30-minute Lesson will be live at 11:00 on Tuesday, 10 February, on the CBBC channel and on BBC iPlayer.

The programme is live and will be accompanied by a live website commentary feed for schools. It will be updating it with comments and shout-outs live throughout the broadcast.

Email your shout-outs to live.lessons@bbc.co.uk with Safer Internet Day as the subject, or get in touch using the get in touch form or using #BBCLiveLessons.

 

Live lessons from Adobe

Empower your class to stay safe online with bold, student-designed awareness campaigns

  • Tuesday, February 10th, 10.30 - 11.45 AM - Welsh language session, 13.30 - 14.45 - English Language session
  • Wednesday, February 11th, 10.30 - 11.45 AM - Welsh language session, 13.30 - 14.45 - English Language session

Join Adobe for a free, engaging live lesson on Internet Safety Day! Designed for students aged 7-13, these 75-minute sessions will guide your pupils in creating two exciting pieces of digital media using Adobe Express. A natural break is included around the 45-minute mark if needed.

  • Open to all: Bring as many students as you like, provided they have access to a device.
  • Flexible timing: While the full session is 75 minutes, a break is included after 45 minutes.
  • Replay available: Can't make the live session? Register to receive a recording for your class at your convenience.
  • Proven success: Over 200,000 learners across the UK have already participated in these live lessons!

All you will need is:

  • Ability to display the live stream on a large screen for the class.
  • One device per student (laptop, desktop, iPad).
  • Free Adobe Express accounts for each student.

Safer Internet Day Activities from Busy Things

Busy Things Internet safety resources are available within the 'Special Events' area.

   

  Take part in a quiz

   Make a poster 

   Download the resource pack

 

 

Safer Internet Day is a great opportunity to start a conversation about online safety and help young people navigate the digital world safely and responsibly. By utilising the available resources and collaborating, we can make the internet a better place for everyone.

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

 
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