Key messages for Safer Internet Day 2026

Across all phases, schools may wish to explore:

• What AI is (and what it is not) – avoiding myths and misunderstandings

• How AI tools collect and use data

• Why not everything generated by AI is accurate or safe

• The importance of critical thinking, consent and personal responsibility

• How to seek help and report concerns when something feels wrong

Early Years and Key Stage 1

Younger pupils benefit from simple, relatable messages about choice, trust and feelings.

Relevant lessons include:

• How can I keep safe online?

• What are safe choices?

• Who can help me if I am worried?

• What should I do if something makes me feel uncomfortable?

These sessions provide a strong foundation for understanding that not everything they see or hear online should be trusted, including content created by technology.

Key Stage 2

For older primary pupils, discussions can move towards questioning information and understanding how technology influences behaviour.

Useful lessons include:

• How can I stay safe online?

• What is personal information and why does it matter?

• How do online choices affect others?

• How can I check if something is true?

These lessons support conversations about AI-generated images, videos and text, and the importance of stopping, thinking and checking before sharing.

Key Stage 3 and beyond

Secondary-aged pupils are often already engaging with AI tools directly. Pol-Ed resources can help staff address both opportunity and risk.

Strong links include:

• Online safety and digital footprints

• Consent, coercion and exploitation online

• Misinformation, disinformation and influence

• Rights, responsibilities and reporting concerns

These sessions can be adapted to explore AI-specific issues such as deepfake's, automated decision-making, and the ethical use of emerging technologies.