Warwickshire, England – February 10, 2026
Young People in Warwickshire Urged to Navigate AI Responsibly
Safer Internet Day focuses on the safe and responsible use of artificial intelligence, encouraging open conversations about its impact on daily life.
- This year’s Safer Internet Day theme highlights the growing influence of AI tools like voice assistants and chatbots.
- Warwickshire County Council has created a song and animated film using AI to educate children about online safety.
- A countywide competition invites primary schools to engage creatively with the new song.
- Parents and educators are encouraged to discuss the potential risks and benefits of AI with young people.
As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly woven into the fabric of everyday life, young people in Warwickshire are being encouraged to prioritize safety and responsible behavior when using these powerful tools. This year’s Safer Internet Day, taking place on Tuesday, February 10th, centers around the theme ‘Smart tech, safe choices – Exploring the safe and responsible use of AI’, prompting crucial discussions about the technology’s influence.
Understanding AI’s Reach
The initiative aims to foster open dialogue between young people, teachers, parents, and carers regarding how AI shapes the information we consume, the way we learn, and the potential dangers of misuse – including the creation of convincing scams and inappropriate content. What steps can parents take to ensure their children are safe online? Open communication and education about the risks and benefits of AI are key to fostering responsible digital citizenship.
Warwickshire County Council’s Community Safety Team, in collaboration with Safer Warwickshire partners and Child Friendly Warwickshire, has taken a novel approach to educating younger children. They’ve harnessed the power of AI itself to create an original song and accompanying animated film designed to illustrate how to use AI safely. The video can be viewed at https://youtu.be/-vtVqwmB2YY.
Engaging Schools and Families
Schools, parents, and carers are encouraged to share the video widely and utilize it as a springboard for conversations about responsible technology use. To further engage students, a countywide competition has been launched for primary schools. Schools are invited to record pupils singing or dancing to the song, or to create related posters, poems, or other artistic expressions.
The winning school will receive a monetary prize to be used for equipment or technology upgrades, and their submissions will be promoted by Warwickshire County Council, Safe in Warwickshire, and Child Friendly Warwickshire.
Councillor Dale Bridgewater, Warwickshire County Council Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Chair of the Safer Warwickshire Partnership Board, emphasized the importance of the day, stating: “Safer Internet Day is an important chance to remind everyone how to use technology safely and responsibly. In Warwickshire, we’ve used AI to create a new song that shows how these tools can be helpful when used in the right way. It also helps children learn about the risks of new technologies.”
A National Effort
Safer Internet Day is coordinated nationally by the UK Safer Internet Centre and stands as the UK’s largest celebration of online safety.
To help facilitate meaningful conversations, educators, parents, and carers may find the following questions useful:
- What’s your favourite thing to do online?
- Have you ever used an AI tool? How did it make you feel?
- What do you like or dislike about AI?
- Do you have any concerns about AI?
- What advice would you give your friends about using AI?
- Who would you talk to if you saw something worrying online?
- What more can I do to help you feel safe online?
Additional information about Safer Internet Day 2026 is available at: https://saferinternet.org.uk/safer-internet-day/safer-internet-day-2026.
Further online safety advice can be found at www.safeinwarwickshire.com and www.childfriendlywarwickshire.co.uk.
