Safer Internet Day 2026 takes place on Tuesday, 10 February, and our friends at Webwise are inviting Primary School teachers, pupils, and parents with kids that age to take part.
This year's theme, AI Aware: Safe, Smart, and in Control, explores how AI technologies shape children's online experiences, highlighting both the benefits and the risks. It aims to empower pupils to use AI safely, responsibly, and confidently.
In Ireland, Safer Internet Day is coordinated by the Irish Safer Internet Centre, a partnership between Webwise, ISPCC, the National Parents Council, and Hotline.ie.
Together, they provide a range of online safety services, including education and awareness programmes, child and parent helplines, and a reporting hotline. The Centre is coordinated by the Department of Justice and co-funded by the European Union.
Here are 5 simple ways for Primary Schools to take part!
1. Share your Safer Internet Day plans
Put your Safer Internet Day plans on the map! Whether you are doing lessons, quizzes, workshops, or any other activities, you can share what you, your class, or your school is doing by registering on the SID Events map of Ireland.
2. Use the new Safer Internet Day Lesson for 6th Class
Developed in collaboration with Dr Dónal Mulligan at Dublin City University, this lesson for 6th Class explores new and emerging technologies in our world, in particular, developments in artificial intelligence. It will give pupils an opportunity to learn about new technologies, such as Generative AI (Gen AI), the opportunities and challenges, and how to engage with them in a safe and responsible way.
Schools can also explore online safety with different classes by using the Safer Internet Day presentations.
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3. Access free education resources and videos
Safer Internet Day is the perfect opportunity to explore online safety topics in your school. Take advantage of free Webwise resources and videos for post-primary students to cover subjects like cyberbullying, online privacy, online wellbeing, and more.
All resources and videos are available for free on webwise.ie, and we can also send hard copies directly to schools.
Click here to see more resources.
4. Host a Garda lesson with the Garda Schools Programme
Safer Internet Day is a great time to consider the Garda Schools Programme! In partnership with Webwise, lessons have been developed for primary schools.
Be Kind Online is a lesson designed to enable 3rd and 4th class pupils to understand what cyberbullying is, how it can hurt someone and how it can be prevented.
5. Get parents involved
Safer Internet Day is also a great time to engage parents and highlight the vital role they play in supporting their child online. Encourage parents and carers to visit the Webwise Parents Hub for trusted advice and information.
Webwise will also publish a new A Parent's Guide to Generative AI, supporting families to navigate AI safely and confidently for Safer Internet Day!
Go to the Webwise Parents Hub.
These are just a few ways to mark Safer Internet Day 2026, but how you highlight online safety is up to you! Find more ideas on the Webwise SID Hub.
Whatever activity you choose, join the national and international conversation online using #SID2026 and #AIAware, and tag Webwise on social media.
Safer Internet Day (SID) is an EU-wide initiative that promotes a safer, better internet for everyone - with a particular focus on children and young people.
Check out the Webwise Internet Safe Cross code here!
And you can learn more about AI on RTÉ Learn:
