E-Safety
How do Copthorne pupils keep safe online?
Safer Internet Day 2026 - AI Live Lesson
As part of Safer Internet Day 2026, pupils at Copthorne Junior School took part in a special Live Lesson exploring how to stay safe online in a world of rapidly developing AI technology. The session was presented by Georgie Barrat and Joe Tasker and encouraged pupils to think about how artificial intelligence works and how it should be used responsibly.
During the lesson, pupils explored the key choices involved in creating responsible AI systems. They discussed how developers select trustworthy and balanced training data and how giving clear instructions can reduce the chances of AI generating harmful or inaccurate responses.
One of the highlights of the session was programming an AI chatbot together. The chatbot recreated a conversation with a critically endangered Hooded Vulture, allowing pupils to see how AI can be used in creative ways while still requiring thoughtful and responsible design.
This year’s theme was “Smart tech, safe choices. Exploring the safe and responsible use of AI”. The Live Lesson was produced in collaboration with Childnet, which is part of the UK Safer Internet Centre and can be viewed on BBC Teach and BBC iPlayer.
After watching the session, each class took part in a reflection activity where they worked together to create five top tips for staying safe online, with a particular focus on using AI safely and responsibly.
Have a look below to see the top tips each class came up with!
Safer Internet Day is the UK’s biggest celebration of online safety, helping young people develop the knowledge and confidence they need to navigate the digital world safely.
Safer Internet Day 2025 – Scam Smashers Live Lesson
As part of Safer Internet Day 2025, pupils at Copthorne Junior School took part in a special Live Lesson on online scams and phishing, presented by Joel Mawhinney and Maddie Moate. The session, called Scam Smashers, encouraged pupils to use their detective skills to spot digital tricksters and protect their personal information.
Developed in partnership with Childnet, this lesson helped pupils understand key online safety topics, including privacy, security, and managing online information. After watching the 30-minute session, pupils engaged in related activities, including a quiz, to reinforce their learning about staying safe online.
- Year 3 and Year 4 focused on Scams
- Year 5 and Year 6 focused on Phishing
For further online safety resources, visit BBC Teach, which offers videos, articles, and quizzes to help children navigate the digital world with confidence.
Safer Internet Day 2024
The whole school took part in Safer Internet Day celebrations to raise awareness of a safer and better internet for all. To mark the occasion, the children took part in a school-wide competition to create a poster that raised awareness of keeping safe online and signs of grooming, which they learnt from the Breck Foundation visit. The Worship Leaders had the difficult task of choosing a winner from each class (outside of their own year group). They are:
Beech—Henry
Rowan– Jacob
Chestnut— James
Willow— Krista
Elm— Farrah
Sycamore— Louie
Maple— Mia
Oak— Dehlen
Take a look at our winning Safer Internet Day posters!
Always be careful when you are using the internet. It can help you to keep in touch with your friends and help your education – but it can also cause harm – to you and to others.
Remember help is always available at school if you are having any problems online.
Don’t be afraid to talk to your teacher or another adult at school.
Here are some websites to help keep you safe -
Thinkuknow
Internet Matters
https://www.internetmatters.org/blog/tags/6-10/
Get Safe Online
https://www.getsafeonline.org/safeguarding-children/
Childnet - The adventures of Kara Winston and the Smart Crew
https://www.childnet.com/resources/the-adventures-of-kara-winston-and-the-smart-crew/
Childnet - help and advice for 4-11 year olds
https://www.childnet.com/help-and-advice/4-11-year-olds
Safer Internet - guide and resources for 3-11 year olds
https://saferinternet.org.uk/guide-and-resource/young-people/resources-for-3-11s
If you or anyone you know is worried about Child Exploitation, Online Protection or anything related to Internet safety please click the link below which will take you to the CEOP reporting website:
Helpful links to look at with your family
Tips for staying safe online:
- Make sure you keep new online friends strictly online. If someone you don't know asks to be your online friend you must ensure an adult knows about it.
- Know how to use the CEOP Button and how to report it to the CEOP Centre if you are concerned about someone’s online behaviour towards you.