Students at St John’s Catholic Primary School in Banbury, Oxfordshire, are preparing for a series of digital safety lessons on February 10, 2026, as part of the national Safer Internet Day programme. This year the school is focusing on helping children navigate the world of artificial intelligence and smart technology under the UK Safer Internet Centre’s 2026 theme, “Smart tech, safe choices – Exploring the safe and responsible use of AI.”
The lessons follow national Safer Internet Day resources and guidance from the UK Safer Internet Centre. Pupils will take part in classroom activities and workshops designed to help them understand basic AI concepts — such as chatbots and voice assistants — and practical steps for using smart devices at home without sharing personal information.
The school, which is part of The Pope Francis Catholic Multi-Academy Company (PFMAC), says the programme is intended to help its pupils (aged 3 to 11) use the internet respectfully and to develop critical thinking about online information, including whether something they see was created by a person or generated by a machine.
Families are being given practical tips through the school’s Parent Hub app, including advice on checking privacy settings on smart toys and speakers. Working with local safeguarding partners in Banbury, the school is encouraging parents to use the ‘Pause’ rule taught in class — asking children to think whether content is kind, true and necessary before sharing it.
These activities build on the school’s existing online-safety curriculum, which teaches pupils how to recognise and manage common online risks. Ofsted rated St John’s Catholic Primary School as ‘Good’ following its inspection on 10 May 2023, with inspectors noting the school’s promotion of pupil welfare and safeguarding.
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