Safer Internet Day 2026: Supporting Smart, Safe Choices in a Changing Digital World

Safer Internet Day 2026 takes place on Tuesday 10 February. It is a chance to unite thousands of schools, organisations and educators across the UK in a shared mission to make the online world a safer and more empowering space for young people. This year’s theme — “Smart tech, safe choices: Exploring the safe and responsible use of AI” — reflects the rapid rise of artificial intelligence in students’ daily digital experiences. [saferinternet.org.uk]

As AI tools, smart devices, algorithms and chatbots increasingly become a part of everyday life, secondary schools have a vital role in helping to guide students in navigating these technologies with confidence and critical awareness. The UK Safer Internet Centre, which coordinates the national campaign, highlights the importance of helping young people understand not only how AI works, but how to recognise risks, question information and make informed decisions online.

Why AI Matters for Online Safety in 2026

AI now shapes everything from entertainment and social media feeds to study tools and home devices. While these technologies offer huge benefits — efficiency, creativity, personalised learning and accessibility — they also introduce new challenges. Content generated by AI may be inaccurate, biased or inappropriate for younger audiences, and students don’t always have the experience to judge its reliability. Schools are therefore encouraged to promote thoughtful use of smart technologies, helping students understand that while AI is a tool which can help, it is not an all‑knowing authority.

This year’s Safer Internet Day invites conversations around digital literacy, truthfulness of information, data privacy and responsible decision‑making — skills that are essential for young people’s wellbeing, resilience and long‑term digital citizenship.

Opportunities for Secondary Schools

For secondary school staff, Safer Internet Day provides a platform to:

• Reinforce existing online safety messages, incorporating the role of AI into discussions about trust, scams, misinformation and digital wellbeing.
• Encourage open, age‑appropriate conversations about how students might use AI in their own lives — perhaps as a homework support tool, during online gaming or in social media.
• Promote critical thinking, especially around identifying when content may be AI‑generated, misleading or inaccurate.
• Reiterate safeguarding responsibilities, reminding staff, parents and carers that online safety is an ongoing partnership between school and home.

Many schools will be marking the week with assemblies, tutor‑time activities, subject‑specific lessons, digital literacy challenges and whole‑school campaigns. Many organisations also offer free resources, including ready‑to‑use lesson materials, discussion prompts and videos tailored to different age groups.

A Shared Commitment to a Better Digital Future

Safer Internet Day is more than one day of activities — it’s a reminder of the collective responsibility educators, families and communities share in preparing young people for an increasingly AI‑driven world. By focusing on smart tech and safe choices, schools can empower students to use digital tools with curiosity, confidence and care.

Secondary Planners

Primary Planners