Safer Internet Day is being marked in Ireland and across the world, with a focus this year on the risks and harms posed to young people by artificial intelligence.
The theme for the day is ‘AI Aware: Safe, Smart and in Control’ and aims to encourage parents, schools, educators, young people and all stakeholders to consider how AI shapes young people’s lives.
Research from UCD showed that while young people do not trust AI, they reluctantly accept the privacy trade-offs, and while they know about its capacity for malicious use, they increasingly rely on it.
The key issues that will be discussed during Safer Internet Day 2026 include the risks and harms emerging today, as well as ways of making generative AI technologies safe and age-appropriate for children.
There will also be an exploration of the potential opportunities of AI technologies to benefit children and young people.
Research showed many children have no parental restrictions around online contact with strangers
Experts from Ireland and Europe will join members of the Webwise Youth Advisory Panel at an event at the Department of Justice to discuss the impact of generative AI on young people.
“It is now more important than ever that we can empower our children and young people to develop the critical thinking and digital literacy skills needed to evaluate AI-generated content, protect their privacy and make responsible decisions,” said Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton.
The event is hosted by the Irish Safer Internet Centre – a partnership between Hotline, ISPCC, National Parents Council and Webwise.
It will be addressed by the Online Safety Commissioner Niamh Hodnett.
“Safer Internet Day is an important event in our calendar and its focus this year on AI is both welcome and timely,” Ms Hodnett said.
Online safety charity CyberSafeKids said its latest research showed many children have no parental restrictions around online contact with strangers.
The study highlights concern around underage access to social media platforms and the sharing of images by children online.
It also showed that many parents feel ill-equipped and lack confidence when it comes to managing their children’s online activities.
“Our research shows many children are navigating complex online spaces largely alone, with little meaningful parental oversight,” said Alex Cooney, CEO of CyberSafeKids.
“They are using platforms not designed for their age or safety, often sharing photos and videos without understanding who can see them or how far they can spread.”
Without clear guidance, Ms Cooney said, “children may overshare and with the rise of nudification tools and AI girlfriend apps, their content can be altered and misused, putting them at serious risk”.
Committee to discuss impact of AI on media
Meanwhile, the Oireachtas Committee on Artificial Intelligence will hold a hearing on the impact of AI on the media.
Members will hear from witnesses from the National Union of Journalists, Media Literacy Ireland and NewsBrand Ireland.
The areas being discussed will include the rise of misinformation and disinformation, AI-enabled deepfakes, copyright law and the generation of fake articles.
“Our witnesses today will focus on several issues impacting the media in the age of AI, including the role of social media companies who, at present, are not considered publishers like the press and are not required to follow the laws set out for the press,” said Committee Cathaoirleach Malcolm Byrne.
“A free, balanced and responsible media is the corner of democracy and while technology can do much to assist in the telling of news stories and ensure more voices are heard, we need to be concerned by the rise of mis- and disinformation and the challenges of AI enabled deepfakes.
“Misinformation, often in the form of AI generated content shared online, is undoubtedly adding significant pressure to the democratic role of the press and eroding public trust in traditional forms of media,” Mr Byrne said.