Safer Internet Day 2026: Helpful AI Safety Resources for Parents and Carers

Safer Internet Day 2026 takes place on Tuesday 10 February, with the theme “Smart tech, safe choices – Exploring the safe and responsible use of AI.” This theme reflects how artificial intelligence now shapes many aspects of children’s online lives, from personalised recommendations to voice assistants and homework tools.

To support families, we have gathered a collection of trusted UK-specific resources offering practical guidance, conversation ideas, and age-appropriate support.

Official Guidance from the UK Safer Internet Centre

The UK Safer Internet Centre (UKSIC) provides the key resources for Safer Internet Day 2026. Their dedicated hub includes advice on using AI safely, talking to children about new technologies, and supporting responsible digital choices at home.

Practical Advice and Conversation Starters

A parent-friendly information letter is also available. It explains how AI affects the information children see online, how AI may be used during homework, and the potential risks linked with misuse such as scams or manipulated images. It also provides conversation starters to help families approach the topic confidently.
Download the letter

ParentLine – UK’s AI Online Safety Assistant

ParentLine is the UK’s first AI‑powered online safety assistant for parents. It provides clear, practical guidance on online risks, apps, games, social media, AI tools, cyberbullying, privacy settings and more. It uses verified information from the NSPCC, Internet Matters and the UK Safer Internet Centre.

AI Safety Resources Designed for Parents

The London Grid for Learning (LGfL) offers specific materials to help families navigate generative AI. These include an explainer video, a downloadable parent letter, and a ready-made presentation for running parent information sessions.
LGfL resources

NSPCC – AI Safety Tips for Parents

The NSPCC provides trusted, expert‑backed tips on how AI tools work, what risks they pose to children, how to recognise AI‑generated content and how to talk to children about what they’re seeing online.

UNICEF – Guidance on AI and Children

Global guidance focused on children’s rights in the age of AI. Helps parents understand AI risks, child data protection, fairness, transparency and how global changes affect young people.

Why These Resources Matter

AI is increasingly present in children’s everyday digital interactions. Whether through search results, games, online platforms, homework support or social media, children often engage with AI without realising it. Providing families with accurate information and practical tools helps children:

• Recognise when AI is being used
• Think critically about information online
• Understand the limitations and risks of AI
• Make safe and responsible choices

These resources empower parents and carers to guide children confidently and support positive digital experiences.

February marks LGBTQ+ History Month, a valuable opportunity for our school community to celebrate diversity, champion inclusion, and recognise the remarkable contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals throughout history.

To support meaningful conversations and reflection, we have shared a curated resource calendar for use during AM and PM registration. It features a rich selection of videos, articles, and podcasts designed to engage students and staff, spark thoughtful discussion, and deepen understanding.

This resource calendar - expertly put together by Miss Tuckwell, our Head of Humanities and Social Sciences also includes additional links to ensure our community has access to a wide range of high‑quality materials - please see attached below.

Useful Links & Resources: 

We are incredibly proud to share that former Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys student Aruna Jalloh is joining the cast of Robert Icke’s highly anticipated West End revival of Romeo and Juliet - taking on the iconic role of Tybalt.

Aruna, who studied GCSE and A Level Drama with us before leaving us in 2016, will appear alongside an outstanding company led by Sadie Sink as Juliet and Noah Jupe as Romeo. The production will run at the Harold Pinter Theatre from 16 March to 6 June 2026.

The revival brings together an exceptional creative team and a celebrated cast, and we are thrilled to see Aruna taking his place among them. His journey from our Drama classrooms to the West End stage is an inspiring reminder of where passion, talent and dedication can lead.

Huge congratulations to Aruna on this incredible achievement. Our whole school community is cheering him on as he brings Tybalt to life in one of Shakespeare’s most iconic stories.

Buy tickets here

Whats on stage - Romeo and Juliet with Sadie Sink and Noah Jupe rounds out West End cast

Holocaust Memorial Day is a national day that takes place on 27 January. We commemorate the six million Jewish men, women and children murdered during the Holocaust, and the millions more murdered under Nazi persecution. Prejudice still continues today within our communities and across the UK. We also learn and commemorate where persecution led in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.

The Holocaust Memorial Day Trust has confirmed that the theme for HMD 2026 is “Bridging Generations”. This theme highlights the vital role each generation plays in carrying forward the memory of the Holocaust and more recent genocides. As survivors grow older, the responsibility to listen, learn, and share their stories becomes a collective act of remembrance and a commitment to building a safer, more compassionate future.

It encourages communities, schools, and organisations to explore how memory is passed on, how stories shape understanding, and how we can all contribute to safeguarding truth against distortion or denial.

It Began with Words – New Holocaust Memorial Day Film

It Began with Words explores how the Holocaust began not with violence, but with words, with stereotypes, prejudice and silence. Through survivor testimony and historical insight, it shows how ordinary people and everyday choices allowed hatred to grow. By understanding how the Holocaust unfolded, we can recognise the warning signs of prejudice today and use our voices to stand against it. Holocaust Memorial Day Trust | It Began with Words – New Holocaust Memorial Day Film

Helpful UK Resources

A selection of trusted, accessible UK organisations offering guidance, educational materials, and support for commemorations:

• Holocaust Memorial Day Trust (HMDT) Official theme guidance, free resources, lesson plans, and activity packs
• Holocaust Educational Trust (HET) Survivor testimony, teacher training, and the renowned Lessons from Auschwitz programme
• National Holocaust Centre & Museum (Nottinghamshire) Exhibitions, survivor talks, and digital learning resources
• Imperial War Museum (IWM) – Holocaust Galleries Extensive historical collections and educational materials
• Association of Jewish Refugees (AJR) Testimony archives, heritage projects, and support for survivors and their families

Light the Darkness

Each year people from across the UK take part in our Light the Darkness national moment for Holocaust Memorial Day.

At 8pm on 27 January people across the nation will light candles and put them safely in their windows to:

• remember those who were murdered for who they were
• stand against prejudice and hatred today
• Iconic buildings and landmarks will light up in purple during this powerful national moment of commemoration and solidarity

 

Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys has been formally commended by the Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson, for achieving exceptional outcomes for disadvantaged pupils at the end of the 2024/25 academic year. The school’s performance places it among the highest‑achieving schools nationally, marking a significant milestone for the community.

In her letter of congratulations, the Secretary of State praised the school’s “excellent outcomes” and highlighted the dedication of staff and the hard work of pupils as key drivers of success. She noted that Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys’ achievements “show what can be achieved when ambition and commitment come together,” and encouraged the school to continue leading the way in sharing best practice across the sector.

The Department for Education has also identified opportunities for the school to support wider system improvement, including through active engagement with RISE networks, collaboration with local schools and trusts, and continued focus on raising outcomes for disadvantaged pupils.

This national recognition reflects the collective effort of teaching and associate staff, whose commitment to excellence has helped secure life‑changing opportunities for young people across the community.

Comment from Mr T Lawrence, Headteacher

“I am incredibly proud of our staff and students for achieving this remarkable recognition. Very few schools receive commendations of this kind, and it speaks to the unwavering dedication, expertise, and compassion that define Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys.

This achievement belongs to every member of our community - from teachers and support staff to the pupils who show resilience and ambition every single day. It is a privilege to work alongside such committed colleagues and to serve our young people.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this success. Your hard work continues to make a profound difference to the lives of our pupils.”

Comment from Mr T Plumb, CEO of PolyMAT

“Congratulations and thank you. I want every member of staff across both schools to know just how significant this recognition is. To receive commendations from the Secretary of State is a rare honour, and it speaks directly to the exceptional standard of care, teaching, and support that defines our Trust.

I am incredibly proud of and deeply grateful to all our staff and students. This achievement reflects the extraordinary difference you make to the lives of young people every single day. Your dedication ensures that our pupils, particularly those facing the greatest challenges, are given the opportunities, encouragement, and belief they need to thrive.

This is a moment for our whole Trust to celebrate. It reinforces what we already know: that PolyMAT is a community of excellence, compassion, and ambition. Thank you for everything you do and for the impact you have on the futures of our young people.”

WPSfB Students Mentor the Next Generation of Debaters

We are incredibly proud to share that students from Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys were specially invited - thanks to their previous success - to mentor two local primary schools in the inaugural Greenwich Primary Great Debate.

Our WPSfB students partnered with Heronsgate Primary (this year’s host) and South Rise Primary, delivering a combination of online sessions and weekly in‑person visits to support their debate clubs. They helped pupils develop their arguments, refine their ideas, and grow in confidence as public speakers.

At Wednesday’s debate, our mentors were the only secondary school students to attend in person. They supported the smooth running of the event, took part in floor questioning, and guided younger pupils with calmness, maturity, and genuine care.

We were delighted to see the team they worked with most closely take first place. Staff from both primary schools praised our students for their commitment, encouragement, and professionalism.

Most importantly, they represented Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys with integrity, leadership, and kindness throughout the entire process. Their behaviour and dedication made us exceptionally proud.