Safeguarding conversations have traditionally focused on risks that occur face-to-face, but today some of the most significant threats to children's wellbeing are online.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to transform education for the better, but alongside the opportunities come new challenges. Recent updates to Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidance highlights that online safety should be viewed as an integral part of safeguarding and child protection.

The challenge for educators is that digital risks are often less visible than traditional safeguarding concerns.

The rise of AI-powered safeguarding risks

Generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, Copilot, and Gemini have become increasingly common, however researchers and child safety organisations have identified a range of safeguarding concerns linked to their misuse.

Research published by the NSPCC found that generative AI is being used to facilitate bullying, sexual harassment, grooming, extortion, and the creation of harmful content targeting children.

The ability to impersonate others online also makes it increasingly difficult for young people to distinguish between genuine and fabricated content, increasing their vulnerability to scams and misinformation.

Misinformation and digital literacy

The inclusion of misinformation and conspiracy theories within KCSIE guidance reflects growing concerns. AI tools can generate convincing text, images, and videos, making false information more widespread and harder to identify, and creating a significant digital literacy challenge. 

For schools, this means online safety education must focus on media literacy and responsible use of technology in addition to more established topics like cyberbullying and online relationships.

What schools can do now

With young people growing up in an environment where AI-powered tools and social media algorithms increasingly influence how they learn and communicate, schools must be prepared to respond to a rapidly changing digital landscape.

Young people are often among the earliest adopters of new technology, making proactive education just as important as intervention. To go above and beyond, schools should:

1. Invest in ongoing training for staff

Staff should be familiar with the Department for Education's guidance on generative AI and ensure they are regularly updated on developments in AI, social media trends, cyber security threats, and online exploitation tactics.

Schools should focus on helping staff recognise warning signs and know when concerns should be escalated. Regular discussions during staff meetings, safeguarding briefings, and CPD sessions can help ensure online safety remains a live topic.

2. Teach critical thinking, not just online safety

Students increasingly need the skills to question what they see online and recognise when content may have been manipulated or generated by AI. Educators can support this by:

  • Encouraging pupils to verify information across multiple sources.
  • Discussing how AI-generated images, videos and text can be created.
  • Exploring real-life examples of misinformation and deepfakes.
  • Building media literacy into lessons across the curriculum.

3. Create a culture where pupils feel comfortable reporting concerns

Many online safeguarding incidents go unreported because children worry about getting into trouble or losing access to devices. Regular check-ins, classroom discussions, and clear reporting pathways can make a significant difference.

Pupils should understand that if they encounter harmful content, receive inappropriate messages, or become involved in a situation that makes them uncomfortable, support is available without judgement.

4. Work closely with parents and carers

AI tools, social platforms, and online trends are developing so quickly that families may not fully understand the risks. Parent workshops and online safety briefings or newsletters can help create a consistent safeguarding message between home and school.

A collaborative approach is particularly important as many digital risks, such as online scams or AI-enabled bullying, often occur outside school hours. The NSPCC has practical guidance to support parents and carers to speak with children about AI.

5. Model responsible use of AI

As AI becomes more common in education, educators also have an opportunity to demonstrate safe and ethical use. By discussing both the benefits and limitations of AI, teachers can help students understand that these tools are not always accurate or suitable for every situation. Open conversations about responsible use can help reduce over-reliance on AI-generated information.