Yesterday, we supported Media Smart at the Safer Internet Day 2026 event hosted at BT Tower.
Aligning with the theme ‘Smart tech, safe choices: Exploring the safe and responsible use of AI’, Will Gardner OBE, Director of the UK Safer Internet Centre, described how the theme of AI was chosen by focus groups of children in May 2025, leading to the creation of their new research report for SID this year.
The research has found that 54% of 8- to 17-year-olds use AI for studying, and almost 1 in 6 of 8- to 17-year-olds use AI tools for advice and support with personal issues, highlighting the prominence and everyday use of Artificial Intelligence by young people.
This was reflected in a keynote from Liz Kendall MP, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, who announced the launch of the ‘Kids Online Safety Hub’ as part of the Government’s commitment to online safety. The national campaign, rolled out on TV in Yorkshire and the Midlands, will help parents feel more comfortable when talking to their children about what they see online.
Olivia Bailey MP, Education Minister, described her aim to ensure AI is used safely in education, to support learning but not replace the human benefits of teachers.
Alex Towers, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at BT, explained their aim to give access to technology while protecting users from the dangers. BT have key guidance online in their campaign with EE and Essex Police to tackle the misuse of AI in the EE’s LearnSmart platform.
A youth spokesperson, Gabrielle, gave a keynote describing the concerns of young people including the effects of AI on the environment, inaccuracy, misinformation and privacy concerns. A panel of young people who are part of the Childnet Youth Advisory Board expressed similar concerns, particularly for girls when viewing AI generated images which can potentially create unrealistic beauty standards.
Media Smart helps young people understand advertising wherever it appears – including AI-driven advertising. There are specific resources for parents and guardians as well as teachers on the topic of body image and advertising for 9-14yrs. On the topic of AI, read the full blog on AI, advertising and the importances of critical thinking by our Public Policy and Regulation Director, Konrad Shek, on Media Smart UK’s website here.
