Safer Internet Day, marked each February, is a good moment to talk with children about the tools they already use. AI chatbots are now inside search engines, messaging apps and games. Here is how to start the conversation without frightening anyone.

Seven things to talk about

  1. It is a machine. It can sound friendly, but it is not a person and does not truly know or care about you.
  2. It can be wrong. Always check important answers with a book, a teacher or a trusted website.
  3. Keep private things private. No full names, home addresses, school details, photos of themselves or passwords.
  4. Be honest about homework. Use AI to understand, not to copy. Ask the teacher what is allowed.
  5. Be kind. Treat people the same way online as you would in person, and never use tools to bully or trick someone.
  6. Tell an adult if something strange, scary or inappropriate appears.
  7. Take breaks. Real friends, play and sleep matter more than any app.

For parents

Try the tools together. Ask your child to show you something it can do and something it got wrong. Set clear rules on screen time and where devices are used. Check the age limits of each app.

For schools

Include a short unit on AI use and online safety in computer lessons. Techbase can help prepare it.