To mark Safer Internet Day 2026 on 10th February 2026, the ADAPT Centre is proud to announce its central role in the development of a landmark resource for families: “A Parents’ Guide to Generative AI.”
Developed by Webwise (the online safety initiative of the Department of Education and Youth, and co-funded by the European Commission) in close collaboration with ADAPT and the National Parents Council, the guide is designed to empower parents and guardians to navigate the rapidly shifting landscape of Generative AI (GenAI).
Generative AI is fundamentally changing how young people learn, create, and interact with technology. While this evolution brings unprecedented opportunities for creativity and education, it also introduces complex challenges that require a proactive, informed approach from families.
The development of this guide was informed by direct insights from the Webwise Youth Advisory Panel and a comprehensive survey conducted by the National Parents Council. The findings revealed a shared landscape of concern between generations, specifically regarding:
Misinformation: The difficulty in distinguishing AI-generated content from reality.
Harmful Content: The risk of exposure to inappropriate or biased outputs.
Overreliance: Concerns that students may become too dependent on AI tools for critical thinking and schoolwork.
The guide benefits from the deep technical and ethical expertise of ADAPT’s community. Dr Robert Ross (ADAPT/TU Dublin) and Dr Ben Cowan (ADAPT/UCD) worked alongside ADAPT’s Education and Public Engagement (EPE) team to ensure the advice is both scientifically grounded and accessible to parents and guardians of diverse backgrounds.
The booklet provides practical advice and guidance on safely and responsibly navigating GenAI. It covers essential topics, including:
The Basics: What GenAI is and the common tools young people encounter.
The Benefits: How AI can support personalised learning and creative exploration.
Practical Guidance: “Conversation starters” to help parents discuss AI ethics and safety with their children.
Laura Grehan, ADAPT Head of Education, Engagement and Societal Impact, highlighted the importance of the collaboration:
“As Generative AI becomes increasingly embedded in the digital lives of young people, it is essential that we provide parents with the tools to foster a safe, critical, and responsible environment at home. The ADAPT Centre is proud to support Safer Internet Day 2026 and to have partnered with Webwise and the National Parents Council on this vital resource. “
Download the guide, in English or Irish, on the Webwise website.
Safer Internet Day: AI Aware: Safe, Smart, and in Control
Safer Internet Day takes place on Tuesday, 10th February 2026. The celebrations arebased around the theme, “AI Aware: Safe, Smart, and in Control”. This theme invites parents, schools, educators, young people, and all stakeholders to consider how AI technologies shape children’s experiences online. While these technologies have benefits, they also raise important questions about safety, reliability, bias, privacy, overreliance, and ethical and responsible use.
Safer Internet Day 2026 will explore ways to empower children and young people with the critical thinking and digital literacy skills they need to evaluate content, recognise bias, protect their privacy, and make responsible decisions, and be Safe, Smart and in Control.
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