Better Internet for Kids

With the klicksafe school lesson on Safer Internet Day (SID), the SIC reached more than 50,000 pupils from all over Germany. 

And SID went well beyond the day itself: there were many more activities throughout the Safer Internet Month (February). Over 330 events were registered with klicksafe, more than ever before. 

klicksafe school lesson at Media:TURM Ludwigshafen

The klicksafe school lesson for Safer Internet Day 2026 started off with a new record: over 50,000 pupils from all over Germany and even from German-speaking neighbouring countries were gathered in their classrooms at 10:00 AM on 10 February 2026 to reflect on the topic "AI and me. In an artificial relationship" (in German: “KI and me. In künstlicher Beziehung”). 

Social psychologist Paula Ebner from the University of Duisburg-Essen gave an insight into the current state of research on the topic of human-chatbot relationships. Video clips with questions on the topic of the school lesson from young people from the klicksafe youth panel and the youth advisory board of the Federal Centre for Child and Youth Media Protection (BzKJ) brought in the perspectives of young people. And, of course, the pupils on site and the many pupils connected online were also able to share their views through live surveys.

Following the klicksafe school lesson, young people from the klicksafe youth panel and the BzKJ youth advisory board discussed the topic with expert Julia Ebner and the pupils on site at an exclusive Inside Talk, and shared their experiences and opinions on the topic of AI companions and relationships. They made it clear how present AI bots already are today, where they see opportunities, and where limits are necessary.

The klicksafe school lesson was streamed live in cooperation with the Federal Centre for Child and Youth Media Protection, and the newspaper Rheinpfalz in the Media:TURM of the Media Authority Rhineland-Palatinate. SIC Germany would like to thank the pupils of IGS Ludwigshafen Gartenstadt for their on-site support, as well as all pupils and committed teachers for their active participation.

Web seminar of the German Safer Internet Centre

On 25 February, the German Safer Internet Centre offered a web seminar on "AI and me: Smart helpers or false friends? Chatbots as an opportunity and risk for children and young people" for educational professionals, parents, caregivers, and other interested parties. Experts from jugendschutz.net, eco, FSM, Nummer gegen Kummer and klicksafe gave an overview of current developments and highlighted (legal) challenges. In addition, concrete options for action for professionals, parents, caregivers and institutions were presented. More than 500 participants joined the web seminar, followed the presentations and were able to ask questions and raise comments. More information on the klicksafe webinar is available on their website.

Hundreds of events throughout Germany

Around 340 events and campaigns throughout Germany were registered on the klicksafe website for Safer Internet Day - more than ever before! Many of them took place on 10 February, but there were still more events throughout February. In the list of SID events on the klicksafe website, you will find a wide variety of offers such as online events, workshops at schools and social media campaigns. SIC Germany would like to thank everyone who is working for a better internet on Safer Internet Day 2026.

Wide support on social networks

Many institutions, associations and private individuals also supported Safer Internet Day 2026 online. For example, by posting pictures of events or information on the topic of "AI and me". All posts with the hashtags #SID26, #SID2026, #SaferInternetDay and #KIandMe were archived on klickafe’s social media wall.

Nationwide media coverage

Safer Internet Day 2026 was featured in many TV programs, on radio stations, in newspapers and on websites. The reporting often focused on this year’s focus topic "AI and me. In an artificial relationship", but it also covered many other aspects of media literacy and online safety. 

Find out more about Safer Internet Day in Germany. Alternatively, find more information about the work of the German Safer Internet Centre, including its awareness raising, helpline, hotline, and youth participation services, or find similar information for other Safer Internet Centres throughout Europe.