In the age of AI, keeping children and young people safe online is more important than ever. With the increasing use of technology in all aspects of their lives, it's essential to equip them with the right knowledge, tools and resilience to know how to respond. 

In celebration of #Safer Internet Day 2025, and the learning and good practice being shared around the theme of 'Too good to be true? Protect yourself and others from scams online', this blog explores the top 4 ways children and young people can protect themselves whilst navigating the digital landscape.  

Parents and Educators should encourage children to:  

1) Engage in open conversations 

Creating an environment where children feel comfortable discussing their online experiences is vital. Open communication fosters trust and ensures children know they can seek help when needed. Parents and educators should 

• Encourage Dialogue: Regularly ask children about their online activities and who they interact with. This helps identify any potential issues early on. 

• Discuss Online Behaviours: Talk about the importance of treating others respectfully online and the impact of cyberbullying. 

2) Embrace AI but understand it limitations and dangers 

As AI becomes more prevalent and integrated into apps including social media and messaging services, understanding its implications on privacy and creating an unintended digital footprint, is essential. Children should be informed about: 

• AI in Social Media: Explain how algorithms work and how they can influence what content appears in their feeds. In addition, exploring how the AI features they use within platforms work, for example AI features used to answer questions, generate content and predict messages. Issues to explore include misinformation and information accuracy, dependence on AI, the emotional impact of using AI regularly i.e. treating technology as a replacement for authentic human connections. 

• Safe Use of AI Tools: Teach them to use AI responsibly, including being cautious about sharing personal data with AI applications. While safety features exist, they are far from foolproof. Children’s interactions with AI may inadvertently reveal personal information, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation.  

3) Use privacy settings wisely 

Understanding privacy settings is crucial for safeguarding personal information. These practices help maintain their privacy and reduce the risk of unwanted attention. Children should learn how to: 

• Adjust privacy controls: Show them how to set their social media accounts to private, limiting who can see their posts and personal information. 

• Limit information sharing: Discuss the importance of not sharing sensitive information, such as their full name, address, or school details, online. This includes whilst using AI in a closed group. 

4) Learn how to recognise and report scams 

Children should be educated on how to identify potential scams or phishing attempts online. This includes: 

• Spotting Suspicious Links: Teach them to avoid clicking on links from unknown sources or those that seem too good to be true. 

• Recognise a phishing email or phone call. For a child-friendly guide to protecting yourself against phishing, visit Protecting Yourself from Phishing Scams Online  - UK Safer Internet Centre  for a more comprehensive guide, visit this SWGfL website - Phishing Tackle - Guide to Preventing Email Phishing | SWGfL 

• Reporting: Encourage children to report any suspicious messages or content to a trusted adult or through the platform’s reporting tools. 

Conclusion 

As technology continues to evolve, so do the challenges associated with online safety. By recognising scams, using privacy settings wisely, engaging in open conversations, and educating themselves about AI tools, children and young people can develop their resilience and protect themselves against the multitude of cyber crime we see today and inevitably in the future. 

To join the conversation and get involved in Safer Internet Day, visit - Safer Internet Day 2025 - UK Safer Internet Centre