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Navigating the “Artificial Relationship“: Safer Internet Day 2026 Focuses on AI and Youth
A growing concern over the impact of artificial intelligence on young people’s progress is the central theme of Safer Internet Day 2026, set to take place on Febuary 10th. The annual event, spearheaded by the EU initiative klicksafe, will address the complex relationship between individuals and increasingly elegant AI bots, with a particular focus on the potential risks and benefits for children and adolescents.
The day’s motto, “AI and me. In an artificial relationship,” underscores the need to strengthen media literacy and bolster protections for minors in an era where AI companions are becoming increasingly prevalent. According to a release from klicksafe, the initiative aims to foster a reflective, critical, and informed approach to generative AI among young people.
Experts warn that the rapid integration of AI into daily life is outpacing the development of essential skills and safeguards. “The speed with which artificial intelligence is penetrating our everyday lives leaves little time to equip children and young people in particular with usage skills and protection strategies,” stated a representative from the Saalekreis Addiction Prevention Center of the AWO Halle-Merseburg. While AI offers potential benefits – making content more engaging, educational, and helpful – it also introduces new dangers and exacerbates existing ones.
These dangers include the potential for sexual violence and harassment in the digital space, threats to democratic processes, and a loss of control in digital environments.Addressing these challenges requires a collaborative effort. A community of responsibility,encompassing parents,schools,experts,and local social services,is crucial to ensuring equitable access and protection.
Recent data highlights the extent of AI’s reach among young people. The JIM study 2025, released on October 30, 2025, revealed that a staggering 90% of individuals aged 16 to 19 are already using ChatGPT. This widespread adoption, occurring during a critical period of social and emotional development, raises significant concerns.
“Most children and young people are already exposed to unregulated AI systems today – and that in the testing phase of their lives, especially when it comes to friendship, relationships and sexuality,” noted dr. Marc Jan Eumann, Chairman of the Commission for Youth Media protection (KJM) and Director of the Media Authority of Rhineland-Palatinate. He emphasized the need for effective regulation and accountability for commercial providers, alongside educational initiatives like those offered by klicksafe.
To facilitate critical discussion,klicksafe will host a nationwide,interactive live stream for school classes – beginning with the 7th grade – on february 10th,from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The session will focus on the critical examination of AI bots, and teachers will receive accompanying lesson plans to integrate the topic into their curriculum. Registration for the klicksafe school lesson is available free of charge at https://www.klicksafe.de/klicksafe-schulstunde.
Beyond the dedicated day, klicksafe is encouraging participation throughout Safer Internet Month in February. Schools, companies, authorities, media organizations, startups, and associations are invited to register their campaigns and initiatives on the klicksafe website: <
