We are taking part in Safer Internet Day on Tuesday 10th February. The theme of this years day is
“Smart tech, safe choices – Exploring the safe and responsible use of AI”.
Everyone’s talking about AI, and with many children and young people hearing about and using AI online, it’s important they have the skills and confidence to make safe choices when they are using smart technology.
This Safer Internet Day we are exploring the impact of AI on all of our lives, looking at how AI can be used for good, and giving advice and guidance that empowers people to use AI safely and responsibly.
Please read the Top Tips below:
For parents and carers of 3-7s
This Safer Internet Day, we are starting a conversation about how to use AI technology safely and responsibly. Whilst your 3 to 7 year old may not yet be ready to use the internet independently, use our top tips to start good online habits now that will help keep them safe in the future.
Enjoy going online together
Spending time online together with family is an important learning experience for the youngest internet users. Not only will you both enjoy the quality time together, but you can supervise their usage and guide them to make the safest choices.
Talk about their online experiences
Help give your child the words to explain what they’re experiencing online by starting conversations about the internet and technology as early as possible. Talking regularly about what they love doing online, as well as any worries they may have, will help establish this habit and mean they’re more likely to come to you for help as they get older.
Make use of settings and controls
Parental controls and other safety settings can help protect your child from online harms, including upsetting or inappropriate content. Think about how your child uses technology, for example if you have a smart TV or a voice assistant at home, and explore specific settings to support your household.
Introduce simple ideas about AI technology
You don’t need to be a computing expert to start conversations at home about AI. Explaining that a voice assistant is a computer, not a person, or helping your child to understand that not everything they see online is real, is a good start. Encourage them to ask questions about the technology in their lives, and even if you don’t know the answers, you can find them out together.
Make sure they know they can always come to you
The most important thing for your child to know is that you are always there to support them, online and offline. Encourage them to talk to you if anything they experience makes them feel worried or upset, and show them they can trust you to stay calm, listen and help make things better.
