Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept for young people – it is an everyday reality shaping how they learn, communicate, and see the world. As educators and parents, we now share a crucial responsibility: to help children grow not only as confident users of AI, but as thoughtful, discerning digital citizens.
Last week’s Safer Internet Day offered an ideal moment to pause and reflect on this challenge. We were pleased to welcome a PC from Derbyshire Constabulary, who delivered workshops for Years 7 and 8 as well as a dedicated session for parents. Across every group, one message was clear: young people are already navigating an AI‑rich landscape, and they are eager for guidance.
What young people are telling us
Our pupils spoke with honesty and insight. Many highlighted how AI tools support creativity, revision, and independent learning – clear signs that, when used well, AI can be a powerful educational ally. At the same time, pupils voiced thoughtful concerns: How will AI reshape future careers? Will the jobs they imagine today still exist tomorrow? And how can they trust imagery when photos can be so easily altered?
These are not small questions. They reveal a generation aware that AI is transforming the world around them and looking to adults for help in navigating it.
Parents share similar concerns, but from a different angle
Parents, too, raised important issues – particularly around images and privacy. The conversation around childhood photos posted years ago on social media resonated strongly. With AI now able to manipulate images effortlessly, families are right to ask: Who controls these photos? How might they be used? What permissions matter as children move through different schools?
These discussions reflect a broader truth: AI is prompting us to re‑examine long‑standing habits around digital sharing and safeguarding. Schools and families will increasingly need to work together to understand these risks and make informed decisions.
Why AI literacy matters more than ever
Despite the challenges, AI offers remarkable learning opportunities – as long as children understand how to use it responsibly. This is why, earlier this term, staff from Shrewsbury School introduced our pupils to four simple guiding principles:
- AI helps humans decide
- Check before you trust
- Fairness matters
- Learning matters more than results
These rules are intentionally straightforward. They encourage pupils to approach AI with curiosity, caution, and integrity – qualities that will serve them well far beyond the classroom.
A partnership between home and school
What emerged from this week’s conversations is something powerful: when families engage openly with children about AI – testing information together, questioning what feels trustworthy, reflecting on why something might be biased – young people develop the digital judgement they need to thrive.
Schools cannot do this alone, and nor can families. But together, we can create an environment where AI is not something to fear, nor something to follow blindly, but a tool that supports critical thinking, creativity, and responsible decision‑making.
Looking ahead
AI will continue to evolve rapidly, and so will the questions it raises. But our goal remains constant: to ensure that young people develop the skills, confidence, and ethical grounding to navigate this digital world safely and wisely.
By keeping conversations open, reinforcing the golden rules, and modelling thoughtful use of technology, we can help ensure that AI becomes not just a tool in our children’s lives – but a positive, empowering part of their future.
– Alison Whawell, Deputy Head
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