f. Safer Internet Day 2022–2026 (Overview)

Our commitment to Online Safety is proactive, responsive and deeply embedded across the curriculum. Each year, we celebrate Safer Internet Day (SID) as a whole-school event, using it as a powerful catalyst to strengthen pupils’ digital citizenship, enhance critical thinking, and create a culture where children confidently discuss their online lives.

Our approach aligns with national guidance and themes set by the UK Safer Internet Centre each year. Below is a rich, Ofsted-ready overview of themes from 2022 to 2026, along with how we use each theme to deepen learning and whole-school understanding.

2022 – 8 February 2022

Theme: “All fun and games? Exploring respect and relationships online”

In 2022, pupils explored the increasingly interactive nature of children’s online lives—gaming, streaming, chatting and creating content. The national theme focused on helping young people shape positive online communities, recognise respectful behaviour, and develop strategies to respond to unkindness or unsafe interactions.

How our school enriched this theme:

• Held role-play workshops exploring scenarios from online games.
• Delivered assemblies on empathy, respect and teamwork online.
• Used whole-class discussions to understand how online friendships differ from offline ones.
• Modelled how to address unkind behaviour while maintaining digital resilience.

2023 – 7 February 2023

Theme: “Want to talk about it? Making space for conversations about life online”

The 2023 theme centred on children’s voices, encouraging young people to articulate what truly matters to them online and empowering adults to listen carefully. The national focus highlighted the importance of creating safe, supportive environments for open conversations about their digital experiences.

How our school enriched this theme:

• Introduced anonymous pupil “digital question boxes.”
• Created opportunities for circle time discussions around personal online experiences.
• Worked with Digital Leaders to co-create safer online behaviour guidelines.
• Shared information for parents on “How to talk to your child about online life.”

2024 – 6 February 2024

Theme: “Inspiring change: Making a difference, managing influence and navigating change online”

In 2024, the theme explored how new technology shapes online behaviours, how influence works in digital spaces, and how children can be agents of positive change. Pupils delved into topics such as influencers, persuasive design, and how algorithms shape online experiences.

How our school enriched this theme:

• Delivered lessons on recognising online persuasion and advertising.
• Investigated how algorithms curate personalised content.
• Explored real case studies of young people using technology for social good.
• Supported pupils to create posters promoting positive digital behaviour.

2025 – 11 February 2025

Theme: “Too good to be true? Protecting yourself and others from scams online”

The 2025 campaign focused on the rising threat of online scams, including AI-driven fraud, fake giveaways, phishing, and manipulation. It encouraged young people to recognise suspicious online activity and understand how scams impact individuals and communities.

How our school enriched this theme:

• Pupils examined real-world examples of scam messages and learned to spot red flags.
• We taught practical skills such as evaluating links, checking sources, and secure password use.
• KS2 students took part in “Scam Detective” workshops using scenario-based activities.
• Parents received a family-friendly guide on protecting households from online scams.

2026 – 10 February 2026

Theme: “Smart tech, safe choices – Exploring the safe and responsible use of AI”

By 2026, the rapid growth of AI had become a major part of children’s online lives. This theme explored AI-powered tools, voice assistants, chatbots, and ethical considerations around responsible use. Children were encouraged to think critically about how smart technology influences choices, privacy, and information reliability.

How our school enriched this theme:

• Practical workshops on AI tools pupils already encounter (e.g., voice assistants, filters, chatbots).
• Discussions about misinformation, deepfakes, and “trusting what you see.”
• Activities challenging pupils to consider AI ethics and decision-making.
• Staff CPD on responsible classroom use of AI technologies.

Our Whole-School Commitment Across All SID Themes

Across all years, our SID activities reinforce our overarching aims:

• Embedding critical thinking and safe habits across the curriculum.
• Encouraging children to share concerns and ask questions confidently.
• Building strong partnerships with families through workshops and communications.
• Updating staff knowledge and safeguarding practice in response to new trends.
• Ensuring children leave primary school equipped for the digital challenges ahead.

Each year’s theme acts as a springboard for deeper digital citizenship learning, ensuring consistency, progression and relevance in an ever-changing digital world.