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Safer Internet Day 2026 is all about AI

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AI can help us save time and energy on tasks - but it's important to use it safely

Safer Internet Day is marked every year in the UK, and it's all about staying safe online.

The day is themed around a different topic each year, and for 2026 the theme is Smart tech, safe choices - Exploring the safe and responsible use of AI.

It's taking place on Tuesday 10th February 2026 and is run by the UK Safer Internet Centre, who work with young people to provide tips about how to stay safe online.

So what is AI, and how can you use it safely?

What is AI?

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Streaming apps - like Netflix and Disney - use AI to suggest which shows to watch next

AI, or artificial intelligence, is where a computer is able to carry out a task in what appears to be a human-like way.

Computers can be 'taught' how to do things by being programmed to follow sets of rules called algorithms.

They can also learn through experience, performing certain tasks lots of times to spot patterns in the information they receive.

These patterns help computers to make decisions and predictions.

Today, AI technology is all around us and lots of people use it every day.

It's used to do lots of things including powerful internet searches, predict the weather, suggest videos that we might be interested in watching, help us to translate different languages and even create music and jokes.

How can you use AI safely and responsibly?

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AI should never replace help and support from people you know and trust

AI technology can be really helpful but it's also important to think about how using AI might affect you and other people.

The UK Safer Internet Centre has lots of advice for children on Safer Internet Day on how to use it safely and responsibly.

Here are their top tips:

  • Don't let AI replace your own thinking or creativity.

  • Think about others - AI shouldn't be used to do things that might upset or worry other people.

  • Watch out for signs that something might have been generated by AI. These include something looking too perfect, surprising or just not quite right.

  • Remember that AI makes mistakes and that it can be helpful to double-check information on other websites that you trust.

AI should never replace help and support from people you know and trust.

Always speak to a trusted adult if you're unsure about something AI tells you, or if you need help figuring out if something has been generated by AI.