The digital landscape is shifting faster than ever before. Just a few years ago, our main concerns were screen time and social media privacy. Today, we are navigating a world where Artificial Intelligence (AI) is woven into the fabric of daily life.
Today marks Safer Internet Day 2026, a global event that encourages everyone to come together for a better internet. This year’s theme, ‘Smart tech, safe choices – Exploring the safe and responsible use of AI,’ is timely and crucial. It asks us to look closely at how emerging technologies are shaping the experiences of young people online and what we can do to guide them.
For us at Lighthouse Fostering, this conversation is vital. Children in care are often more vulnerable to online risks, making the role of the foster carer—as a digital guide and guardian—more important than ever.
Why 'Smart Tech' Needs Smart Choices
AI is no longer science fiction; it is in our phones, our search engines, and the games children play. From chatbots that help with homework to algorithms that suggest the next video to watch, AI offers incredible opportunities for learning and creativity. However, it also presents new challenges.
The theme of 'Smart tech, safe choices' highlights the need for critical thinking. It is not just about blocking harmful content; it is about teaching children to understand what they are interacting with. Is that picture real or AI-generated? Is that chatbot giving accurate advice? Who owns the data we share with these tools?
For children and young people, particularly those who have experienced trauma or instability, the online world can sometimes feel like a refuge. It offers connection and entertainment. But without guidance, the blurred lines between reality and AI-generated content can be confusing and potentially harmful.
The Role of Foster Carers in a Digital World
In the past, keeping children safe online might have meant putting the family computer in the living room. Now, the internet is in their pockets. This shift means that technical controls, while useful, are not enough on their own. The most effective filter is not software; it is a trusted adult.
Foster carers play a pivotal role in creating a safer digital environment. They are the ones who can:
- Facilitate Open Conversations: Instead of banning technology, effective carers encourage dialogue. They ask questions like, "What cool things have you found online today?" or "Have you seen anything that looked a bit strange?" This openness ensures that if a child does encounter something worrying, they feel safe enough to speak up without fear of losing their device.
- Model Responsible Use: Children learn by watching. Carers who demonstrate healthy digital habits—like putting phones away during meals or fact-checking information—set a powerful example.
- Provide Emotional Support: The online world can be emotionally taxing. Cyberbullying, unrealistic beauty standards, and even confusing AI interactions can affect a child’s self-esteem. A supportive home environment provides the emotional anchor children need to process these experiences.
For a child in foster care, having an adult who is interested in their digital life—not just policing it—can be a profound source of connection and protection.
Navigating the AI Landscape Together
The specific focus on AI for Safer Internet Day 2026 brings new topics to the dinner table. You don't need to be a tech expert to help a child navigate AI; you just need to be curious and engaged.
Here are a few ways foster carers can support children with "Smart Tech":
- Explore Together: If a child is using an AI tool for homework or creativity, sit with them. Ask them to show you how it works. This turns screen time into bonding time.
- Discuss "Real vs. Fake": AI can create hyper-realistic images and voices. Talk to young people about how not everything online is what it seems. This builds digital resilience and critical thinking skills.
- Set Boundaries: Just like with gaming or social media, it is important to agree on boundaries regarding when and how AI tools are used.
Lighthouse Fostering: Commitment to Training
We understand that the pace of technological change can feel overwhelming. Many foster carers worry that they can't keep up with the apps and trends young people use. At Lighthouse Fostering, we believe that empowerment comes through education.
We do not expect our carers to have all the answers immediately. That is why online safety is a core component of our training programme. We provide up-to-date guidance that cuts through the jargon and offers practical, actionable advice.
Our training covers:
- Understanding current social media platforms and gaming risks.
- Privacy settings and parental controls.
- Recognising the signs of cyberbullying or online grooming.
- New modules on understanding AI and digital literacy.
By equipping our carers with these tools, we ensure they have the confidence to guide the children in their care. We want every child to be able to explore the digital world’s potential while staying protected from its harms.
A Safer Future Starts at Home
Creating a safer internet doesn't happen in a boardroom in Silicon Valley; it happens in living rooms across the country. It happens every time a foster carer sits down to play a video game with a child, every time they discuss a news story about AI, and every time they reassure a young person that they are there to help, no matter what happens online.
Every child deserves a home where they are safe—both in the real world and the digital one.
If you are passionate about providing a safe, guiding influence for a young person, we would love to hear from you. Whether you are tech-savvy or just starting to learn, what matters most is your willingness to care and protect.
To find out more about fostering in Kent and East Sussex, and the comprehensive support and training we offer, please get in touch with our team today.