Dear Parents and Carers,
As part of our ongoing commitment to keeping students safe, we want to share important information about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how it affects young people online. AI is now built into many of the apps, games and websites children use every day. While it brings exciting opportunities for learning and creativity, it also introduces new risks that parents should be aware of.
This letter outlines some of the key dangers, what you can look out for, and how you can support your child to use AI safely and responsibly.
Before looking at the issues around AI I thought it would also be useful to reinforce the school policy around the use of mobile phones on school site. The government today released guidance to schools around ensuring that mobile phones are not used by students in the school environment. Erdington Academy’s policy has always been and will remain that phones must not be seen or heard in school. Any student who is found to be using their phone in school will have their device confiscated and securely stored until the end of the day. Parents will be updated and if there are repeat issues then the phone will be kept at school until a parent/carer can come and collect the phone. We understand that students will have their phone on them so that they are safe travelling to and from school and can contact an adult If there is an emergency. However, during the school day phones must not be used. A phone free working environment ensures purposeful learning and safety for all students.
Understanding the Risks of AI for Young People
- Exposure to Harmful or Inappropriate Content
AI can generate realistic images, videos, and messages. Some of this content may be inappropriate or harmful, even if a child did not seek it out. Children may also be at risk whilst online linked to deep fakes and image manipulation. Deep fakes are when AI tools can create convincing fake images or videos, which may be used to embarrass, defame or pick on a young person. In extreme situations ordinary photos could be used to create explicit fake images. This was recently in the news with the abuse linked to the AI platform Grok.
- Misinformation and Biased Content
AI‑Internet feeds or summaries may present distorted or incorrect information. Biased algorithms can create things that are not true, reinforce stereotypes, or expose children to harmful content.
- AI Companions and Chatbots
Some children use AI chatbots as companions. While this may feel supportive at first, it can lead to unhealthy attachment, isolation, or exposure to inappropriate conversations.
- Data Privacy Concerns
AI-powered apps often collect user data. Without careful settings, children may unknowingly share personal information. Even simple features like photo editing or personalised recommendations can involve data‑tracking.
What Parents Should Look Out For
Changes in behaviour where children become Less willing to discuss online activity, increased secrecy, or anxiety linked to device use. Try to encourage your children to show you anything that just doesn’t feel right. Look out for apps that seem to require extensive permissions and pay particular attention to apps that request access to images, microphone or location.
How You Can Support Your Child to Stay Safe
- Talk Openly About AI
Discuss where your child sees AI online and explain that not everything they see is real. Children should understand that AI can make mistakes and create misleading content.
- Encourage Critical Thinking
Help your child question what they see online—whether from videos, websites or chatbots.
- Set Clear Boundaries and Device Rules
Agree on screen‑time expectations, appropriate apps, and times when devices are switched off.
- Check Privacy & Safety Settings Together
Enable parental controls and review app permissions. Make sure your child knows how to report harmful or AI‑generated content.
- Stay Involved in Their Online World
Spend time exploring apps and games with them. Show interest in their digital lives so they feel comfortable coming to you if something goes wrong.
Helpful Online Safety Resources for Parents
UK‑based Support and Advice
- NSPCC – Online Safety & AI Guidance
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/ - ThinkUKnow (CEOP) — Safety advice for parents and children
https://www.ceopeducation.co.uk/ - Childnet – Online Safety Advice for Families
https://www.childnet.com/ - UK Safer Internet Centre — Resources, guidance & reporting tools
https://saferinternet.org.uk/ - Internet Matters – A Parent’s Guide to AI
(Referenced in school safeguarding guidance.)
Government Guidance
- Online Safety Act – Protecting Children from Harmful Content
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/keeping-children-safe-online-changes-to-the-online-safety-act-explained
If Something Goes Wrong
If your child encounters worrying AI‑generated content, bullying, or inappropriate interactions online:
- Encourage them to speak to you immediately.
- Use in‑app reporting features.
- Contact the school’s safeguarding team.
- Report serious concerns through CEOP.
We’re Here to Help
AI is becoming part of everyday life, but with the right knowledge, conversations, and supervision, children can navigate it safely. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the school’s safeguarding team.
Thank you for your continued support in keeping our students safe online.
