What is Safer Internet Day?
Safer Internet Day is a global awareness campaign celebrated each year on the second Tuesday of February.
Coordinated in the UK by the UK Safer Internet Centre, it brings together schools, organisations, parents, employers, and young people to promote safe, responsible and positive use of digital technology.
It started as a small EU initiative and has now grown to be recognised in around 170 countries worldwide.
The 2026 Theme
The theme for Safer Internet Day 2026 is:
“Smart tech, safe choices – Exploring the safe and responsible use of AI.”
Artificial intelligence is no longer future tech it’s in our pockets, on our screens, and increasingly part of everyday life for people of all ages. From voice assistants and chatbots to personalised recommendations, AI tools shape how we work, learn, and connect. This year’s theme encourages everyone especially children and young people to understand how AI works, the opportunities it brings, and how to use it safely and responsibly.
Why It Matters for Young People
Young people today are growing up in a world where digital tools including AI are part of daily life. But using technology safely means more than just “don’t click suspicious links.” It means understanding how digital tools make decisions, spotting when you’re interacting with an algorithm rather than a human, and making informed choices about your online behaviour and personal data.
Free Teaching Resources & Activities
One of the great strengths of Safer Internet Day is the wealth of free educational materials available for schools, youth groups and families:
🔹 Lesson plans, assembly slides, activities and guides for different age groups (early years through to sixth form)
🔹 Practical top tips for young people to stay safe online
🔹 Top tips for parents and carers making it easier to have conversations at home about internet safety
🔹 Interactive quizzes that make learning about digital wellbeing fun and rewarding
➡️ You can find all of these on the official Safer Internet Day website.
BBC Teach Live Lesson
As part of the 2026 celebrations, BBC Teach and BBC Bitesize are hosting a live lesson on Safer Internet Day. This session designed specifically for school audiences covers key aspects of online safety and digital wellbeing, helping young people think critically about how they use technology and the choices they make online.
📅 The lesson will stream at 11:00am on Tuesday 10 February 2026 via the BBC Teach platform.
A link to the BBC Teach Live Lesson page here for more information.
Tips for Families & Employers
Even if you’re not in a school setting, you can still use Safer Internet Day as a chance to build better digital habits:
For families & parents:
- Talk with young people about how AI is used in apps they use every day.
- Encourage open conversations about what they share online and why it matters.
- Explore quizzes and top tips together.
For employers & jobseekers:
- Reflect on how AI tools are part of the recruitment process from AI screenings to chatbots and make sure you understand how your data is being used.
- Promote digital safety in workplace training and communications.
- Support young people entering the job market by helping them understand digital footprints and professional online presence.
Final Thought
Safer Internet Day is more than just an awareness day it’s a reminder that digital wellbeing and responsible tech use are vital skills for life and work in the 21st century. At GB Recruitment, we believe in empowering people not just to find opportunities online, but to navigate them safely and confidently.
Let’s help everyone make smart tech choices and safe ones too.
Inspire | Teach | Thrive
