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Bowdon
Church School

Internet Safety Day!

Smart Tech, Safe Choices: Safer Internet Day 2026
On Tuesday, our school joined millions around the globe to celebrate Safer Internet Day 2026. This year’s theme, "Smart Tech, Safe Choices – Exploring the Safe and Responsible Use of AI," feels more relevant than ever as artificial intelligence becomes a daily part of how we learn, play, and communicate.

From chatbots that help with homework to filters on social media and recommendation algorithms on YouTube, AI is everywhere. While these "smart" technologies offer incredible opportunities, they also require us to make "safe" choices.

What Does "AI Aware" Mean?

Being "AI Aware" isn’t about being afraid of technology; it’s about understanding how it works so you can stay in control. During our special assemblies and classroom workshops, students explored three key pillars of digital safety in the age of AI:

  1. Critical Thinking: Just because an AI-powered chatbot gives an answer doesn't mean it's 100% accurate. We discussed the concept of "hallucinations"—where AI confidently presents false information as fact.

  2. Spotting the Fake: With the rise of deepfakes and AI-generated images, it is becoming harder to tell what is real. We practiced identifying visual "glitches" in AI art and discussed why we should always verify shocking news before sharing it.

  3. Data Privacy: AI learns from the data we give it. We reminded students never to share personal details—like addresses, passwords, or private feelings—with AI bots or "smart" apps.

Top Tips for Students: Making Safe Choices

  • Question the Bot: Treat AI like a helpful but sometimes confused assistant. Always double-check important facts with a trusted website or teacher.

  • Check the Source: Before you believe a video or photo, ask yourself: Who made this? Is this too good to be true?

  • Keep it Private: Treat chatbots like strangers. Don't tell them anything you wouldn't tell a person you just met on the street.

  • The "Human" Check: If something you see online makes you feel worried, sad, or confused, talk to a "Real Intelligence"—a parent, teacher, or trusted adult.

A Note for Parents and Carers

The digital landscape is shifting rapidly. This year, the UK Safer Internet Centre is emphasizing that "Small Talk Is Bigger Than You Think." You don't need to be a tech expert to help your child; simply asking them which AI tools they are using for school or play can open the door to important safety conversations.

Did you know? Major platforms like Google and YouTube have recently updated their parental controls (via Family Link) specifically to help manage how children interact with new AI features.

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Let’s work together to ensure our students are not just tech-savvy, but tech-safe!

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