10 February 2026
Please see below important information that has been shared with us to disseminate by Londo Grid for Learning on Safer Internet Day, 10th February 2026. the theme of which is "Smart tech, safe choices – Exploring the safe and responsible use of AI."
To Parents and Carers,
Safeguarding and the Use of Generative AI
We are writing to address the rapid rise of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and various image and audio generators, and the immediate impact they are having on the online safety of children. Please be aware also that most of these tools have no or minimal age verification processes, meaning children can easily access them from any device.
At Bishop Challoner Catholic College, we embrace technology as a powerful tool for learning. However, our priority is always the safety and well-being of our students. Given the widespread use of these platforms - often without explicit parental knowledge - it is vital that we inform you of the associated safeguarding risks so we can work together to ensure your child remains safe online.
The Safeguarding Risks of Generative AI
The key risks we are aware of and currently monitoring, in line with national guidance, include:
- Creation of harmful content: A significant and serious risk is the misuse of image and video generators to create deepfakes (sexualised images) of peers, staff, or others. This can lead to severe bullying, emotional distress, blackmail, and is in most cases illegal.
- Exposure to inappropriate, fake or misleading content: Many AI tools generate content that is inaccurate, biased, harmful and even sexually inappropriate. AI Chatbots (available on many websites including all social media) can also be emotionally manipulative and some may provide dangerous advice on health, well-being, or self-harm.
- Data privacy and security: The data children input into these tools is often stored and used to train future versions. Personal or sensitive information (real names, location, school details, private thoughts) typed into a chatbot may not remain private.
6 Top Tips
Children are more likely to use unfiltered devices outside of school, so we encourage all parents to chat regularly with their children and discuss these new technologies using the following tips as a starting point:
- Outline the legalities of AI use - Have a frank, age-appropriate conversation about how creating, sharing, or possessing AI-generated images or text to bully, harass, or sexually exploit anyone is illegal, and causes serious harm.
- Check age restrictions and co-explore - Most major AI tools have a minimum age of 13, often requiring parental consent. Before you permit your child to use any AI tool, use the tool together first to understand how it works and what the outputs look like. Co-exploring builds trust and shared understanding. Consider agreeing a Digital Family Agreement.
- Set safety controls – you can set safety controls on your broadband, on the individual device and on particular apps/games. For more support with this please visit parentsafe.lgfl.net. When doing so please keep in mind that no controls are ever 100% and you should talk to your child about why any controls are in place to promote transparency.
- Prioritise critical thinking - Teach your child that AI is a prediction engine, not a source of truth. Encourage them to always fact-check and verify information from a variety of trusted sources (such as a book, a teacher, or a reliable website) before accepting it as correct.
- Protect personal data - Explain to your child that they must never input personal identifying information about themselves or others (full name, address, school name, phone number, or private photos) into any open AI chatbot or image generator, as this information is stored and potentially compromised.
- Encourage reporting - Reassure your child that if anything they see on a device frightens, confuses, or pressures them, or if they see misuse, they should immediately tell a trusted adult. They can also contact Childline 24/7 on 0800 1111.
The following link will take you to a short video outlining the potential dangers of Gen AI.
Gen AI: The Harms Landscape (for parents, teachers, safeguarders) - YouTube
If you need any support, please contact your child’s Head of Year or any member of the Safeguarding team.
Kind regards
Mrs Nutt
Assistant Principal
