Tag Archive for: youth programmes

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

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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

 

 

Carpe Diem Update! Broadening Students’ Horizons.

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If you follow our student Twitter account then you’ll know all about the exciting new student opportunities that we showcase as part of our Carpe Diem initiative.

This summer we’ll be focusing on a couple of things:

  1. Career Opportunities:

It’s that time of year again where lots of students start to panic when they haven’t managed to find summer work experience. It can be difficult to know where to start, so we’ll be highlighting some great companies that offer programmes to young people.

Whether pupils are looking for work experience or internships, there’s something out there for everyone. We’re here to make things that little bit easier!

So if you know someone who’s stuck for work experience ideas, just point them to our Carpe Diem page – we have a handy ‘Industry & Careers’ category that we are constantly adding to.

2. Getting Involved:

As tempting as sitting in front of a games console for 6 weeks can seem at the beginning of summer, we know that young people want to make the most of the summer hols. That’s why we’re featuring a range of activities, competitions and youth programmes for children of all ages: from 4-18 yrs.

There are loads of categories to choose from so there’s really no excuse not to get involved!

If you think we’re missing anything at all, or you’d like us to cover another category, send an email to natalie.allee@boomerang-ed.com  or just drop us a tweet if that’s easier – we always love to hear from you!