ethics
ai-trends
ethics
digital-safety
Safer Internet Day-Smart tech, safe choices
Mary
How to Use AI Responsibly in the Digital Age
Safer Internet Day 2026
Safer Internet Day is marked every year on the second Tuesday of February, and in 2026 the focus is on “Smart tech, safe choices – Exploring the safe and responsible use of AI.”
Artificial intelligence is becoming part of everyday life from education and healthcare to communication and entertainment the question of digital safety has never been more important than today.
Why Safer Internet Day Matters
The digital space has become an environment where we learn, work, create, and connect. That’s why safety, privacy, and responsible online behavior are now essential elements of digital literacy.
This year’s theme highlights the safe and ethical use of artificial intelligence, a technology that is shaping the future but also brings new challenges:
- recognizing AI‑generated content
- protecting personal data
- avoiding manipulation and misinformation
- using AI tools safely and responsibly.
To understand why this year’s focus on the responsible use of artificial intelligence is so important, it helps to look back at the themes that shaped previous editions of Safer Internet Day.
Previous main themes of Safer Internet Day
- Together for a better internet the most frequent and global slogan, also used in 2025, emphasizing the shared responsibility of all users.
- Online safety of children and young people a constant focus of the Better Internet for Kids initiative, highlighted in almost every edition.
- Cyberbullying and reporting abuse particularly emphasized in 2026 alongside the EU’s action plan against cyberbullying.
- Digital well‑being and positive online behavior encouraging healthy digital habits and balance, often part of national campaigns.
- Safe and responsible use of technology including social media, video games, and digital platforms, regularly highlighted in global activities.
- AI and ethical use of technology an increasingly important theme in recent years, culminating in 2026 with the focus on “Smart tech, safe choices – exploring the safe and responsible use of AI.”
As these themes continue to evolve each year, 2026 brings a particularly strong emphasis on AI because it is becoming deeply embedded in everyday life.
Do We Understand AI?
AI tools now write text, analyze data, recognize faces, recommend content, and make decisions that influence our daily lives. Yet many users still don’t understand how these systems work, what they collect or how their data is used.
The goal of Safer Internet Day 2026 is to:
- encourage critical thinking
- raise awareness of AI risks and benefits
- educate users of all ages
- promote transparency and ethical standards
How to Stay Safe?
1. Verify information sources
AI can generate convincing but inaccurate content. Always double‑check facts.
2. Protect your data
Avoid sharing sensitive information with tools you don’t trust.
3. Understand how AI works
Basic knowledge of models, algorithms, and bias helps you use AI more safely.
4. Set clear boundaries
Use AI as your tool, not a replacement for your own judgment.
5. Teach children and young people responsible tech use
They are the most exposed to risks but also the fastest to adopt digital habits.
To encourage families and young learners to explore these skills in a fun way, try Test Your Knowledge of Online Safety – Super Shield, an interactive quiz with 5 engaging levels and over 30 questions that teach essential strategies for staying safe online. Earn your certificate and share your achievement.
If we use AI Responsibly it can be safe
Artificial intelligence brings enormous opportunities: personalized learning, smarter healthcare, faster innovation, and more efficient business.
Remember only responsible use can ensure that AI remains a tool that serves people.
Safer Internet Day is a reminder that:
- technology is not neutral
- safety begins with education
- ethical approaches are key to long‑term well‑being
For parents and educators who want a deeper understanding of these risks, there is a dedicated guide on AI and child safety available.
NexSynaptic and the Mission of Digital Safety
Our mission is to promote the ethical, transparent, and safe use of artificial intelligence. Through education, research, and awareness, we help users understand the technology shaping their future.
🛡️ How to protect children from manipulative AI systems?
If you want practical guidance on how to recognize and avoid AI systems that target children, take a look at our guide and learn more about Child safety and AI. A safer internet begins with informed users and informed users build a more responsible digital society.
Ethical approaches are key to long‑term well‑being, we have written about the importance of clear and consistent AI regulation as well.
A safer internet doesn’t happen on its own. We built it through our responsible choices, and throught technology developed with clear ethical standards.
👉 EU law that regulates artificial intelligenc
