Tuesday, 10 February saw the celebration of Safer Internet Day 2026 across the world. The theme for this year’s SID in the UK was “Smart tech, safe choices – exploring the safe and responsible use of AI”. The campaign saw many come together to help inspire a national conversation about using AI technology responsibly, respectfully, critically, and safely.
Over 3,500 organisations across the UK delivered activities for the day, including schools, police forces, government, companies, football clubs, charities and others.
How the day was celebrated in schools
In the weeks leading up to and on the day itself, educational resources were downloaded thousands of times and used in schools across the country. Young people tested their knowledge with interactive quizzes and gained advice following the UK Safer Internet Centre top tips.
At the heart of all the resources created for the day was the message for young people to make safe choices when using or encountering AI online.
Youth voices at the heart of the day
At the UK Safer Internet Day event in London, young people from both primary and secondary schools ran activity stations where they shared their thoughts on AI with industry representatives and policy makers. At the event, there was also a panel looking at the impact of AI on women and girls, and a keynote speech by a member of the Digital Champions.
A group of young people also went to the Parliament, where they had the opportunity to share their opinions and concerns about AI with members of Parliament.
For Safer Internet Day, the UK Safer Internet Centre launched a brand new research into young people’s experiences and worries about AI, which was also profiled on national TV and radio.
This research allowed to get a better understanding of how young people are using AI, as well as the changes they want to see, and worries they may have.
The impact of Safer Internet Day
Safer Internet Day can have a hugely positive impact. As a result of the collective action last year, the UK Safer Internet Centre reached over half of UK children, parents and carers, with the majority going on to speak to their families about staying safe online and feeling more confident about what to do about any worries online.
From the many conversations, activities, and events that have been taking place, it’s clear that the day was a success because of the collaborative efforts of everyone who came together to help create a better internet.
Find more information about SID 2026 in the UK in the dedicated webpage.
Find out more about Safer Internet Day in the United Kingdom. Alternatively, find more information about the work of the UK Safer Internet Centre, including its awareness raising, helpline, hotline, and youth participation services, or find similar information for other Safer Internet Centres throughout Europe.
Tuesday, 10 February saw the celebration of Safer Internet Day 2026 across the world. The theme for this year’s SID in the UK was “Smart tech, safe choices – exploring the safe and responsible use of AI”. The campaign saw many come together to help inspire a national conversation about using AI technology responsibly, respectfully, critically, and safely.
Over 3,500 organisations across the UK delivered activities for the day, including schools, police forces, government, companies, football clubs, charities and others.
How the day was celebrated in schools
In the weeks leading up to and on the day itself, educational resources were downloaded thousands of times and used in schools across the country. Young people tested their knowledge with interactive quizzes and gained advice following the UK Safer Internet Centre top tips.
At the heart of all the resources created for the day was the message for young people to make safe choices when using or encountering AI online.
Youth voices at the heart of the day
At the UK Safer Internet Day event in London, young people from both primary and secondary schools ran activity stations where they shared their thoughts on AI with industry representatives and policy makers. At the event, there was also a panel looking at the impact of AI on women and girls, and a keynote speech by a member of the Digital Champions.
A group of young people also went to the Parliament, where they had the opportunity to share their opinions and concerns about AI with members of Parliament.
For Safer Internet Day, the UK Safer Internet Centre launched a brand new research into young people’s experiences and worries about AI, which was also profiled on national TV and radio.
This research allowed to get a better understanding of how young people are using AI, as well as the changes they want to see, and worries they may have.
The impact of Safer Internet Day
Safer Internet Day can have a hugely positive impact. As a result of the collective action last year, the UK Safer Internet Centre reached over half of UK children, parents and carers, with the majority going on to speak to their families about staying safe online and feeling more confident about what to do about any worries online.
From the many conversations, activities, and events that have been taking place, it’s clear that the day was a success because of the collaborative efforts of everyone who came together to help create a better internet.
Find more information about SID 2026 in the UK in the dedicated webpage.
Find out more about Safer Internet Day in the United Kingdom. Alternatively, find more information about the work of the UK Safer Internet Centre, including its awareness raising, helpline, hotline, and youth participation services, or find similar information for other Safer Internet Centres throughout Europe.
- artificial intelligence (AI) SID Safer Internet Day (SID)