Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of artificial intelligence usage in schools on safeguarding.

The department recognises that artificial intelligence (AI) presents both opportunities and risks in education and recognises public concerns around these risks. We are clear that technology is not effective unless it is safe. Our ‘Generative AI in education’ publication makes it clear that safety must be the top priority when taking decisions about use of generative AI in education.

We support schools through Digital and Technology Standards to help them to ensure appropriate filtering and monitoring systems are in place to keep children safe online and protect them from illegal, inappropriate or harmful content.

To drive the safety of AI in education, we have introduced Generative AI Product Safety Standards, which set clear expectations for AI tools used in education. These address risks including harmful or inappropriate content, privacy and data protection, and impacts on children’s cognitive, emotional and social development and mental health.

We are also supporting the sector through published AI support materials, which help staff use AI safely. We continue to build the evidence base to ensure AI is used safely and effectively.