As part of Safer Internet Day 2026, parents and carers were invited into school this afternoon to be reminded of the risks and possible ways forward | top tips regarding safeguarding their children at home when exploring the digital world.

Mr Keegan (Specialist Teacher - MGL Computing) delivered an interactive session to 17 parents who were keen to know more about keeping their children safe online.

Key Messages from the workshop:

• Use parental controls and age-appropriate APPs and games. If this isn't possible, restrict their use by changing settings. Internet Service Providers | Mobile Phone Networks offer filtration systems that stop access to inappropriate materials.
• Set clear screen-time limits and device-free times.
• Talk regularly about what children do online and who they talk to.
• Remind children not to share personal information.
• Encourage children to tell a trusted adult if something online worries them.
• Reassure children they won't get into trouble for asking for help.

Recommended screen time (including gaming):

KS1 (ages 5 - 7): up to 1 hour per day

KS2 (ages 7 - 11): up to 1–2 hours per day

AI at Home – Summary for Parents | Carers

Within the session, Mr Keegan also updated parents/ carers on the latest AI (Artifical Intelligence) developments:

Children may come across AI at home through APPs, Games, YouTube recommendations, voice assistants and learning tools. Used sensibly, AI can support learning, creativity and curiosity, but it is important that it doesn't replace thinking, effort or independent problem-solving.

• AI can be helpful, but it can also be wrong!
• Children should not fully trust AI answers without checking
• Adult supervision, parental controls and regular conversations are important.
• Children should not share personal information using online tools.
• Most AI tools require users to be 13+, complying with child protection laws like COPPA (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act).
• Avoid inputting personal information into AI (CHatGPT), even though it feels perfectly natural to do so. Your data may be at risk in the future.

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