’AI can be helpful for learning if it’s used in a safe way’

AI is having a bigger impact on all our lives, and for parents it can be hard to keep up with the pace of change.

Families are increasingly having to help their kids navigate a digital world in which AI is everywhere, from their social media feeds to homework and even friendships - highlighted by the recent Safer Internet Day.

So, how do you keep them safe online when it’s so difficult to tell what’s real?

For 2026, we’ve partnered with Tesco Mobile – a sponsor of Safer Internet Day – to encourage families to talk via The Family Chat about smartphones, and to help them have open and honest conversations at home about online safety, so it all feels less daunting.

Author and podcaster Giovanna Fletcher, who has three boys aged seven, nine and 11 with husband Tom, will be chatting to parents and children about the issues they’re encountering.

Our first family conversation focuses on AI and how Tesco Mobile’s Online Safety Hub is a valuable resource in supporting parents with children of all ages up to 18.

Like most families, the Karleys – Anna, Emmanuel and children Joshua, 13, Isaac, 14, and Ruby, 17 – rely on their devices to stay connected, but Mum and Dad admit they don’t always understand AI, which can be a disadvantage when it comes to safety.

“I’m not good at spotting whether something’s AI,” admits Anna. “I’ve seen pictures and thought, ‘Ooh, that looks good,’ and then the kids will go, ‘That’s AI, Mum!’”

But even they don’t always find it easy to spot what’s fake.

“Especially on TikTok, there’s so much AI, and it looks extremely realistic,” says Joshua.

For most children, homework is now done online, often with research generated by AI, and that’s something the Karleys and Giovanna are all dealing with.

“I’ve