The KCSIE 2026 update places greater emphasis on the rapidly changing online environment and the safeguarding risks associated with artificial intelligence (AI). The guidance recognises that online harms are continually evolving and that schools need to ensure their safeguarding arrangements keep pace.

A key development is the specific recognition of AI-related risks, including AI-generated sexual images, deepfakes and harmful interactions with AI chatbots. These technologies can create new forms of abuse, exploitation, harassment and reputational harm for children and young people.

KCSIE continues to use the “4 Cs” framework for online safety: content, contact, conduct and commerce. The 2026 guidance expands the range of online harms that schools should consider, reflecting the increasingly sophisticated ways children can encounter harmful or inappropriate material online.

For schools, this means online safety should not simply focus on traditional risks such as cyberbullying or inappropriate websites. Staff should understand that AI-generated content can itself become a safeguarding concern, and schools need appropriate policies, staff training, filtering and monitoring arrangements to identify and respond to emerging risks.