12 February 2026
Celebrating Safer Internet Day 2026 with over 550 classes
To celebrate Safer Internet Day 2026, Barefoot organised two Live Lessons linked to this year’s theme: Smart Tech, Safe Choices. We were delighted to welcome more than 550 classes (over 12,000 children) across both sessions – setting a record for Barefoot Live Lessons.
During the Live Lessons children explored artificial intelligence in age-appropriate and relatable ways, and thought about the technology they encounter every day.
Learning how computers learn
The first session, aimed at 5–7-year-olds, focused on how computers learn. Through interactive activities, pupils developed an early understanding that computers learn from the data they are given and that, like humans, they can sometimes make mistakes. They created their own sets of training data to help an AI-powered cat flap distinguish between cats and dogs, explored how computers recognise images differently from humans, and began to appreciate why it is important to understand that technology is not always right.
Exploring everyday AI
The second session, Exploring Everyday AI, was designed for 7–11-year-olds. In this lesson, pupils reflected on how they might already be using AI in their lives: recommendations from streaming services; navigation tools; facial recognition used to unlock devices. They examined the role of digital assistants and engaged in thoughtful discussions about the potential benefits and consequences of using them.
Interactive and engaging
Interactive and engaging
Across both sessions, we were amazed by the response. The level of engagement, critical thinking and meaningful discussion taking place in the classrooms was remarkable.
In the 5-7 session, children demonstrated curiosity and care in creating training data for the AI cat flap and displayed impressive insight as they considered the value in knowing that computers can make mistakes.
One pupil commented, “It is important to know that computers make mistakes as we could get things wrong after trusting a computer.”
Meanwhile, in the 7–11 session, pupils explored balanced viewpoints around digital assistants. Discussions considered how AI can support learning by helping to check work and identify mistakes, but also the risks of over-reliance. They reflected on privacy considerations, including the idea that digital assistants are always listening, while also recognising potential benefits such as providing support or assistance in an emergency. These thoughtful conversations showed pupils engaging critically with technology in a way that truly reflected the spirit of Safer Internet Day.
Safer Internet Day 2026 was a truly memorable day for the Barefoot team. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the teachers who joined us and their pupils, whose wonderful and thoughtful contributions made the sessions such an engaging and inspiring experience.
One teacher commented, this session “definitely gave the children food for thought. We have realised we use AI more than we realised!”
Exploring AI in your classroom
If you would like to explore artificial intelligence with your class, you can find a range of resources on the Barefoot AI Zone.
We also have more resources coming very soon, so please do keep an eye on the Barefoot website for further updates.
Discussion
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