Smart tech, safe choices – Why online safety works best as a conversation
As AI becomes part of everyday life, conversations about online safety are becoming more complex rather than more clear-cut. This year, Safer Internet Day focuses on “Smart tech, safe choices – Exploring the safe and responsible use of AI” – a theme that reflects what many families and educators are already navigating.
Technology is not a future issue for young people. AI tools, voice assistants, and automated content are already embedded in how students search for information, communicate, and learn. The real question is not whether young people will use AI, but how they are supported to use it safely, critically, and responsibly.
Different learners, different digital starting points
Young learners do not arrive with the same experiences of technology. Some come from homes where screen use is tightly limited. Others are already using AI regularly at school. Families also bring different values, expectations, and boundaries around devices, data, and online platforms.
Because of this, a one-size-fits-all approach to technology use does not reflect reality. What supports one child may be inappropriate or unhelpful for another. Effective online safety is not about identical rules – it is about consistent care, communication, and judgement within individual contexts.
Discernment works both ways
There is a widespread assumption that young people lack digital discernment. In practice, many young people are highly adept at recognising AI-generated images or videos, often more quickly than adults. Familiarity with digital environments gives them a kind of pattern recognition that older users may not have.
At the same time, adults bring essential experience around ethics, privacy, long-term consequences, and responsibility. Online safety works best when these perspectives come together. Rather than adults simply instructing and young people listening, safer outcomes emerge through shared discussion, questioning, and mutual learning.
Why language education matters in the age of AI
Language learning has a unique role to play in responsible AI use. Learning a language is not just about fluency, but about meaning, intention, nuance, and context. While AI can generate convincing language, learners still need the skills to evaluate accuracy, tone, and appropriateness.
For young language learners, the presence of AI makes critical thinking more important, not less. Understanding why something works matters far more than whether it sounds correct. Teacher-led guidance, explanation, and feedback remain central to developing these skills.
Moving beyond fear-based approaches
AI has prompted understandable concern, but restriction alone does not build long-term safety. Fear-based approaches rarely develop judgement or confidence. What does make a difference is ongoing conversation – clear boundaries combined with explanation, trust, and support.
Responsible technology use develops over time. It grows through modelling, dialogue, and opportunities for young people to ask questions and reflect on their choices.
A shared responsibility
Supporting young people online today means balancing boundaries with flexibility, and guidance with trust. Families, educators, and learners themselves all play a role. At Living Learning English, we see online safety as an ongoing, inclusive process – shaped by individual experience, family values, and thoughtful human guidance.
As Safer Internet Day 2026 highlights, smart technology alone does not create safe outcomes. Informed choices, critical thinking, and open conversation are what help young people navigate an increasingly digital world with confidence.
Find out more about how we support young learners through personalised, teacher-led education.
Explore our courses and approach to learning at Living Learning English, or get in touch to discuss how we work with families to support safe, thoughtful use of technology.
