AI is making a significant impact on our daily lives, posing a challenge for parents trying to keep pace with the rapid changes. Families are increasingly tasked with guiding their children through a digital landscape saturated with AI, from social media to school assignments and relationships – a focus highlighted on Safer Internet Day.
Navigating the online world to ensure children’s safety becomes even more challenging when distinguishing reality from fiction is a complex task. In 2026, we have teamed up with Tesco Mobile, a sponsor of Safer Internet Day, to promote open discussions within families through The Family Chat initiative. The goal is to facilitate transparent conversations at home about online safety, making the topic less intimidating for parents and children.
Author and podcaster Giovanna Fletcher, a mother of three boys aged seven, nine, and 11, along with her husband Tom, will engage in conversations with parents and children to address the challenges they encounter. The inaugural discussion will delve into AI and emphasize the value of Tesco Mobile’s Online Safety Hub in assisting parents with children of all ages up to 18.
Like many families, the Karleys – Anna, Emmanuel, and their children Joshua (13), Isaac (14), and Ruby (17) – heavily rely on their devices for connectivity. However, Anna and Emmanuel acknowledge their limited understanding of AI, which can pose safety risks.
“I struggle to identify AI elements,” admits Anna. “There have been instances where I’ve been impressed by something, only for the kids to point out that it’s AI.”
Identifying fake content is another challenge. “Especially on platforms like TikTok, where AI-generated content appears remarkably realistic,” notes Joshua.
With most schoolwork transitioning to online platforms, often powered by AI-generated research, the Karleys and Giovanna are grappling with these dynamics. “I’ve observed that my eldest’s secondary school assignments are predominantly computer-based,” says Giovanna. “As parents, it’s crucial to continuously evaluate the use of AI in education rather than demonize it.”
To promote safe AI use among children, consider the following tips:
1. Explore AI Together: Engage in AI activities as a family to make the experience safer and more enjoyable.
2. AI Isn’t Always Accurate: Encourage kids to verify information generated by AI and question its sources.
3. Check Age Restrictions and Privacy Settings: Ensure compliance with age limits and review privacy settings on trusted platforms.
4. Discuss Authenticity: Teach children how to discern real information from misinformation online.
5. Utilize AI as Assistance, Not a Replacement: Encourage creativity and critical thinking alongside AI utilization.
The Karleys appreciate having a reliable resource for guidance. Tesco Mobile’s Online Safety Hub offers practical resources and toolkits to facilitate discussions about AI between parents and children. It includes age-specific advice on discussing safe AI use with kids, developed in collaboration with the UK Safer Internet Centre. Additionally, the hub features engaging AI quizzes from the UK Safer Internet Centre to involve the entire family in conversations.
While the Karley family already prioritizes online safety discussions, they find Tesco Mobile’s Online Safety Hub to be a valuable asset, simplifying the learning process. “We can now explore the topic together and enhance our support for the kids,” says Emmanuel.