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Safer Internet Day 2026: Smart Tech, Safe Choices in Schools
How EdTech and Digital Safeguarding Help Keep Children Safe Online
Today is Safer Internet Day, an international awareness day dedicated to promoting the safe, responsible and positive use of digital technology for children and young people.
This year’s theme, “Smart tech, safe choices – Exploring the safe and responsible use of AI”, reflects the growing role that digital technology and artificial intelligence play in the lives of learners and educators.
Safer Internet Day is a chance for schools to strengthen online safety practices, reinforce digital wellbeing messages, and ensure that young people have the skills and confidence to thrive in an increasingly connected world.
Why Online Safety in Schools Matters in 2026
With the rise of cloud learning platforms, AI powered tools, online assessment systems and social media, digital technology has become an essential part of everyday education. While these technologies offer huge benefits, they also bring online safety challenges, including:
- Exposure to inappropriate content
- Cyberbullying and harassment
- Data privacy risks
- Misuse of AI and smart tools
- Insecure communication channels
Creating a safe and supportive online environment is now a core priority for schools, safeguarding leads and IT teams alike.
How Tel Group Supports Safer Internet Day Goals
At Tel Group, we believe that digital safety isn’t just a policy, it’s built through effective technology solutions and responsible deployment of EdTech across the school environment.
Our approach helps schools and Multi Academy Trusts (MATs) embed Safer Internet Day principles into everyday practice through:
Secure Networks, Filtering, and Monitoring
Ensuring online safety starts with secure connectivity, proactive content filtering, and effective monitoring tools that protect learners from harmful content, support digital wellbeing, and enable safe access to trusted educational resources.
Cyber Security and Digital Protection
Cyber security solutions help schools protect their networks, systems, and user accounts from online threats through strong password practices, secure authentication, regular updates, and safer use of cloud and AI based tools.
Online Safety Guidance and Best Practice
We work with schools to integrate appropriate EdTech choices into their wider digital strategy, ensuring safety features are active, well maintained and aligned with policy expectations such as the DfE Digital and Technology standards.
Each of these solutions aligns with the overarching aims of Safer Internet Day by empowering schools to create responsible technology environments and keep learners safe online.
Ongoing Support and Digital Strategy
We support schools and trusts with ongoing guidance and long term digital planning, helping leaders strengthen online safety, security, and safeguarding as part of their wider technology strategy.
Supporting Schools Beyond Safer Internet Day
Safer Internet Day provides an important opportunity to reflect on online safety, but creating secure digital environments is an ongoing responsibility.
At Tel Group, we work in partnership with schools and MATs to support safe, compliant, and effective use of technology throughout the year. By combining technical expertise, trusted EdTech solutions, and long term strategic guidance, we help education settings build resilient digital environments that protect learners and support high quality teaching and learning.
If you would like to review your current approach to online safety and digital safeguarding, our team is always happy to offer advice and support.
