Better Internet for Kids

Safer Internet Day 2026: AI and me. In an artificial relationship.

Generative AI bots have become part of our everyday digital lives, whether as chatbots in social media or as special companion apps such as "Character.AI". They explain, advise in difficult situations and even offer emotional support. But what influence do these AI companions have on our interpersonal relationships and communication? What opportunities and risks arise when people develop bonds with AI companions? With the motto "AI and me. In an artificial relationship." on Safer Internet Day 2026 (SID26), klicksafe is focusing on the question of how the increasing use of AI companions affects the way we interact with each other and, above all, how children and young people grow up.

Strengthening young people's media skills 

With Safer Internet Day 2026, klicksafe wants to support young people in developing a reflective, critical and informed approach to generative AI bots. The aim is for young people to 

• recognise when AI bots are helpful,
• understand why AI bots can be dangerous or manipulative,
• learn what distinguishes real human relationships from simulated relationships.

To mark Safer Internet Day, klicksafe and the partners of the German Safer Internet Centre are offering a wide range of information and materials for teachers, parents and young people. 

Safer Internet Day thrives on its diverse events and campaigns. klicksafe is therefore calling on institutions, foundations, companies, schools, youth organisations, educational establishments, associations and private individuals throughout Germany to take part in Safer Internet Day with their own contributions and projects - together for a better and safer internet to protect children and young people. As in 2025, events and activities can be organised throughout the month of February under the Safer Internet Day campaign.

Organisers can register their events and campaigns at www.klicksafe.de/sid. All registered events are then visible and advertised on the nationwide and interactive event map. Those who do not organise events themselves but would like to take part in events will also find what they are looking for on the map.

klicksafe school lesson at SID provides information
On SID, klicksafe invites school classes nationwide to the klicksafe school lesson. In an interactive livestream format, young people from year 7 onwards will explore the question of how AI bots influence thinking, communication and relationships and the consequences of their daily use. This provides teachers with a practical teaching tool to promote media literacy and critical thinking in their classes. School classes can register now: Register for the klicksafe school lesson.

Various materials for different target groups
For SID, klicksafe will provide a variety of materials, e.g. pedagogic materials on the focus topic “AI and me”, information for parents, audiovisual materials, etc. All this will be promoted and published via the SID landing page at www.klicksafe.de/sid and in the SID newsletter. 

Safer Internet Month: Register now and take part! 
Whether schools, companies, public authorities, media companies, start-ups or associations - everyone who is concerned about online safety and media literacy is invited to actively participate in Safer Internet Day, either on the main topic or with their own topics for a better Internet. SID campaigns can now be registered with klicksafe: https://www.klicksafe.de/sid26/anmelden. As in the previous year, campaigns are welcome throughout the month of February.