#322: Safeguarding in the Age of AI: Who's Responsible? In this engaging conversation, Sponsored by Hachette Learning Academy, Laura Knight discusses her extensive experience in education and her focus on integrating technology effectively within the classroom. She emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to EdTech, addressing not only the pedagogical aspects but also the emotional and social well-being of students. The discussion delves into the challenges of safeguarding in the digital age, the significance of scenario-based learning, and the ongoing debate surrounding screen time and digital engagement. Laura advocates for a shift in educational practices to better prepare students for the complexities of the digital world, highlighting the need for self-regulation, digital literacy, and a collaborative effort between parents and educators. The conversation concludes with insights from Laura's white paper, which outlines three key pillars for fostering digital responsibility in children: capability, conscience, and courage. Key Takeaways

• Laura Knight emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to EdTech.
• Safeguarding in the digital age is a shared responsibility among educators and parents.
• Screens themselves are neutral; the focus should be on the content accessed.
• Teaching self-regulation and digital literacy is crucial for young people.
• Generational differences impact how technology is perceived and used.
• The need for change in educational approaches is urgent and necessary.
• Digital ecosystems significantly influence children's learning and relationships.
• Peer support among parents can enhance digital literacy discussions.
• The three pillars of digital literacy are capability, conscience, and courage.
• Education must prepare children to thrive in a digital world with integrity.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Laura Knight and Her Work

02:55 The Holistic Approach to EdTech

06:12 Navigating Safeguarding in the Digital Age

09:04 The Reality of Cyber Attacks in Schools

12:03 The Debate on Screen Time and Digital Engagement

17:49 The Importance of Self-Regulation in Digital Spaces

25:04 Generational Perspectives on Technology and Parenting

28:01 The Generational Gap and Digital Disempowerment

30:12 Addressing the Digital Divide: Strategies for Change

36:54 Early Conversations: Building Foundations for Digital Literacy

37:51 Synthetic Intimacy: The Dangers of AI Relationships

45:22 Educating for Digital Life: The Three Pillars of Capability, Conscience, and Courage

Laura Knight Linkedin

Hachette Learning and Professional Development

Overview Hachette Learning Professional Development combines an established and expansive suite of books, guides, courses, and community opportunities that empower educators to take ownership of their teaching practice. The Professional Development includes Teaching WalkThrus, Hachette Learning Academy, Teacher Training Webinars, and, as of July 2025, Hachette Learning Professional Development Publications, formerly John Catt. For more than 60 years, John Catt has established itself as a highly regarded professional development publisher, earning the trust and loyalty of thousands of teachers around the world. Bringing all Hachette Learning Professional Development under one umbrella is a testament to our evolving mission to serve educators worldwide.

Summary

In this conversation, Cerys Griffiths, head of BBC Bitesize, discusses the evolution of the platform, its role in supporting students, teachers, and parents, and the integration of AI in education. She emphasizes the importance of media literacy, the need for personalized learning experiences, and the ongoing efforts to engage both students and teachers in meaningful ways. The conversation highlights the challenges and opportunities presented by AI and the commitment of BBC Bitesize to remain a trusted resource in the educational landscape.

Takeaways

• BBC Bitesize has evolved to support students, teachers, and parents.
• The platform is recognized as the most trusted education brand.
• AI is increasingly used by students for homework and revision.
• Media literacy is crucial in combating misinformation.
• Engaging content is essential for effective learning.
• Personalized learning experiences are a future goal for BBC Bitesize.
• Teachers are beginning to embrace AI as a useful tool.
• The importance of critical thinking skills in education is emphasized.
• BBC Bitesize aims to empower students through engaging formats.
• Future resources will include support for parents regarding AI.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to BBC Bitesize and Its Evolution 03:46 Supporting Students, Teachers, and Parents 06:46 The Role of AI in Education 09:29 Empowering Students with AI Knowledge 12:25 Media Literacy and Critical Thinking 15:10 Teacher Support and Resources 17:54 Engaging Students with Innovative Content 20:47 Future of BBC Bitesize and Personalization 34:00 Sparkling_Chime_Transition.wav 34:07 Evolving Education: The Role of BBC Bitesize 34:37 Empowering Young Minds: Critical Thinking and AI 35:02 NEWCHAPTER

Referenced information

Cerys Griffiths - Head of BBC Bitesize Bitesize Guide to AI

BBC Bitesize and 5 Live Teen Summit Survey

The Future of AI in Education: Ethical Innovation and Leadership with Rita Bateson - A Hachette Learning sponsored Episode.

Join us as Dublin-based expert Rita Bateson shares insights on how educators and school leaders can harness AI's potential responsibly. From sustainability concerns to governance frameworks, discover practical strategies for integrating AI ethically in education to protect students and empower teachers.

In this episode:

• The critical importance of sustainability and data center impact on AI's future
• How AI influences teaching practices and assessment reform
• Strategies for effective AI governance within schools
• Addressing ethical considerations and safeguarding student data
• Insights from Rita's extensive background in curriculum design and school leadership
• Practical frameworks for responsible AI deployment
• The emotional and social implications of AI for students and teachers
• Emerging trends and future scenarios in AI-driven education
• The importance of teacher agency, resilience, and human-centered values in AI integration
• Resources and tools to support schools in developing AI literacy

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to AI and education's ethical landscape

00:31 - Rita Bateson's background and expertise

01:14 - Sustainability challenges posed by data centers in Ireland

01:53 - The environmental impact of AI models like Claude, Gemini, and OpenAI

02:18 - The importance of teaching students discernment in AI use

02:57 - Developing language around AI ethics and evaluation stations

03:45 - Balancing AI benefits with energy consumption concerns

04:38 - Faith in human feedback and the value of teacher-student relationships

05:17 - The role of school leadership in modeling responsible AI behaviors

05:34 - Sustainability and energy considerations in AI-generated content

06:22 - Risks and opportunities in AI dependency

07:21 - The transformative potential of AI in assessment and workplace readiness

07:50 - Leadership guidance in AI strategy and governance

08:18 - Integrating AI governance into school policies

08:49 - Rita's background in curriculum development and assessment

09:40 - The evolution of AI debates in education

10:22 - Challenges of misinformation, hallucinations, and bias

11:20 - Legal, privacy, and cybersecurity risks for schools

11:48 - Protecting student identities and images with responsible data use

12:23 - Teaching digital literacy and algorithmic immunity

13:01 - Embodiment, experiential learning, and non-screen-based AI education

13:51 - The importance of digital and AI strategies aligning

14:18 - Key leadership advice: Invest in understanding AI

14:41 - Reimagining opportunities for professional growth

15:58 - The power of cautious optimism and reflection

16:53 - Celebrating uniqueness and human voice amidst AI proliferation

17:07 - Encouraging productive struggle and resilience in students

18:14 - Clear rules and deliberate use of AI in classrooms

18:48 - Rita's book: scenarios, experiments, and case studies in ethical AI use

19:15 - Sentiment analysis, micro-moments, and voice recognition in AI

20:11 - Potential of world models and immersive environments

20:50 - Opportunities for specialized subjects and student-led world-building

22:23 - Preparing students with digital literacy for future skills

23:41 - Balancing sustainability and responsible use in AI deployment

24:46 - The importance of evaluation and teacher agency

25:56 - Resources: free AI courses and tools from Ablama Learning

26:44 - The significance of protecting and amplifying educators' voices

27:12 - Historical perspective: Dublin's intellectual legacy and innovative spirit

27:44 - Closing thoughts: the role of educators in safeguarding sacred texts of knowledge

28:02 - Final words and gratitude

Resources & Links:

• Ablama Learning - AI Literacy Resources
• Free AI courses
• Hachette Learning Academy
• Books from Hachette Learning by Rita Bateson

Connect with Rita Bateson:

• LinkedIn

This episode spotlights how responsible leadership, grounded in ethics and sustainability, can steer the future of AI in education. Embrace the opportunities while safeguarding our planet and student futures.

Unlocking the Power of Data in Education: Insights from the EdTech Podcast

Explore how innovative data collection and analysis are transforming school leadership, student engagement, and outcomes. This episode highlights practical examples of how schools worldwide harness data to improve decision-making, boost engagement, and personalize learning experiences. Discover the future of data-driven education and key strategies for maximizing its impact.

Key Topics

• The evolution of educational data over the last decade
• How engagement surveys like TEP provide granular, trustworthy insights
• The role of benchmark data in guiding school improvement efforts
• Using data for real-time decision making versus post-event analysis
• The impact of mobility and diversity on school data interpretation
• Encouraging a school culture of curiosity and continuous improvement through data
• The ethical use of data as a tool for enhancement, not judgment
• Future trends: AI, interoperability, and proactive data strategies

Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction to the episode and guest insights 00:32 - The importance of trustworthy and granular engagement data 01:20 - How the Engagement Platform (TEP) measures staff, student, and parent voice 02:42 - Linking engagement data to school outcomes like attendance and academic results 03:29 - The significance of benchmarking and comparability across schools and regions 04:55 - Overcoming challenges of data collection in high-mobility environments 06:19 - The power of data to inform targeted strategies and reduce emotional bias 07:23 - The three broad domains of TEP: cognitive, emotional, and behavioral engagement 09:00 - How data supports understanding student agency and decision-making 11:51 - Use cases of data in Australian and Middle Eastern school contexts 13:45 - Addressing regional differences and school strategies informed by data 15:23 - Linking engagement measures to academic achievement and school retention 16:52 - Managing disruptions due to mobility and diverse student populations 22:12 - Communicating data insights to families for transparency and trust 25:27 - The importance of tracking trends through frequent surveys vs single snapshots 30:32 - Identifying critical points of engagement decline and school transition data 33:02 - Benchmarking confidently: timing, comparability, and contextual factors 37:10 - The role of technological ease and usability in data success 42:46 - The future of data: proactive, forward-looking, and AI-enhanced analysis 46:07 - Building a data culture for continuous improvement rather than judgment 48:08 - The potential of AI to deepen school data insights and efficiency 49:14 - Final thoughts on the strategic use of data to support school growth

Resources & Links

• Engagement Platform (TEP) — Official website
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-jerrim-65499382/ — Professor John Jermain's profile
• Dan O'Riley https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-o-reilly-50061441/
• Dr Chris Wilson https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-wilson-45538017b/
• School Engagement and Wellbeing Research — Publications and papers linked to the insights discussed

Connect with the Guests:

• Dr. Chris Wilson — LinkedIn | Twitter
• Dan O'Reilly — LinkedIn
• Professor John Jermain — UCL Profile

Summary This conversation delves into the critical topic of online safety for children, featuring insights from experts in the field. The discussion covers the impetus behind the Online Safety Act, the roles of organizations like Ofcom and LGfL, and the importance of empowering parents and schools to foster safe online environments. The conversation also addresses the challenges posed by technology, including AI, and emphasizes the need for continuous communication between parents and children regarding online safety. Takeaways

• The Online Safety Act was prompted by tragic incidents involving children.
• Empowering parents and schools is crucial for online safety.
• Children's experiences online often differ from their parents'.
• Continuous communication about online safety is essential.
• Technology is an integral part of children's lives today.
• AI poses new risks that need to be addressed.
• Schools should engage parents creatively in online safety discussions.
• Risk assessments are vital for companies serving children.
• Children need to be educated about the risks of online content.
• Regulators must hold companies accountable for user safety.

key topics

Legislation and regulation of online safety (Online Safety Act, Ofcom's role) Impact of AI and algorithms on children's online experiences Parental and educational strategies for online safeguarding

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Online Safety and the Guests 03:51 The Impetus Behind the Online Safety Act 05:35 Support from LGfL for Schools and Parents 08:14 The Role of Parents in Online Safety 10:59 Ofcom's Regulatory Role and Responsibilities 13:34 Impact of Algorithms on Children's Online Experience 16:21 Engaging Parents in Online Safety Discussions 18:06 Children's Experiences and Parental Awareness 20:06 Overcoming Parental Barriers to Online Safety Conversations 22:30 The Future of Social Media Regulations 24:38 Empowering Parents and Educators for Online Safety 26:57 Empowering Parents with Resources 28:30 Regulatory Frameworks and Company Accountability 33:40 School Policies on Technology Use 41:45 Navigating the Challenges of AI in Education 47:39 Envisioning a Safer Digital Future 49:57 The Importance of Online Safety in Education 51:04 Navigating the Challenges of AI and Online Safety

Resources

Online Safety Act (UK) - https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/29/enacted Ofcom's Online Safety Framework - https://www.ofcom.org.uk/online-safety UN Rights of the Child in Digital - https://www.un.org/en/rights-of-the-child UNICEF Digital Child Safety Initiatives - https://www.unicef.org/child-rights/digital-safety LGFL Safeguarding Resources - https://lgfl.net/Safeguarding/saferesources Australian Online Safety Laws - https://www.ag.gov.au/rights-and-protections/children-and-teenagers/online-safety Ofcom's Research on Children's Online Experiences - https://www.ofcom.org.uk/research/children-online Global Regulatory Cooperation on Digital Safety - https://www.ituc-csi.org/global-cooperation-digital-safety

The resource I referenced is the Parent Online Safety Toolkit for schools – available to download at https://parentonlinesafety.lgfl.net/

Summary

This conversation explores the current challenges faced by educators in the Middle East amidst ongoing conflicts and the transition to remote learning. Experts discuss the importance of mental health, community support, and effective communication strategies to navigate these turbulent times. They emphasize the need for structured learning, the role of technology, and the significance of cybersecurity in education. The dialogue highlights the collective responsibility of educators to support students and families while maintaining their own wellbeing.

Takeaways

• The education community is vital during crises.
• Mental health support is crucial for both students and teachers.
• Clear communication channels are essential for effective remote learning.
• Cybersecurity awareness is increasingly important in education.
• Flexibility in teaching methods can enhance student engagement.
• Community support networks can provide valuable resources and reassurance.
• Educators should prioritize their own wellbeing to better support others.
• Structured learning helps maintain a sense of normalcy for students.
• Inclusion practices must adapt to current challenges.
• Sharing best practices among educators can lead to improved outcomes.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Trauma and Its Effects on the Brain

06:05 Practical Tips for Managing Stress and Anxiety

09:16 Introduction and Context of Online Learning in Bahrain

15:10 Navigating Technology and Resources in Education

21:40 Introduction to Ivan's Journey in Education

27:51 The Importance of Wellbeing in Online Teaching

31:57 Introduction and Current Situation in Saudi Arabia

39:11 Learning from Global Educational Communities

41:30 Introduction to Julia Knight and Her Role

49:52 Understanding Unique Community Needs in Education

52:28 Introduction to Inclusion in Education

58:32 Safeguarding and Vulnerability in Education

01:02:50 Introduction to the Current Educational Landscape

01:04:55 Navigating Distance Learning Challenges

01:08:37 Strategies for Parents and Educators

01:12:01 The Importance of Structure in Education

01:13:07 Introduction to BSME and Current Challenges

01:16:03 Community Support and Communication Strategies

01:19:10 Well-being and Mental Health Initiatives

01:22:12 Advice for Schools and Educators

Dr Catherine O'Farrell

www.incluzun.com

https://www.instagram.com/incluzunme/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071126186624

https://www.linkedin.com/in/katescc/

www.incluzun.com

https://www.instagram.com/incluzunme/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071126186624

https://www.linkedin.com/in/katescc/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-knight-mcct-a558a11a1?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios

https://www.cois.org/about-cis/perspectives-blog/blog-post/~board/perspectives-blog/post/supporting-students-impacted-by-the-conflict-in-the-world

From Clemmie Stewart

Shannon Parfitt: Tom Percival books are great, they are all based on different emotions and help children to relate to the story and talk about their own feelings

Oak Academy for online learning may help to reduce workload and planning time. It's based on the British Curriculum. https://www.thenational.academy/lp/how-to-use-Oak-in-3-easy-steps-b

1. 🧠 Mental Health & Anxiety Support

For Children: Use the '3-3-3 Rule' to ground them (name 3 things they see, 3 sounds they hear, and move 3 parts of their body). Organizations like ABC Center Riyadh and Aspris Wellbeing Centre offer specialized child-friendly CBT and emotional support.

For Adults: The National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) provides a directory of licensed providers. Their 'Qareebon' app is an excellent resource for immediate mental health self-assessment and guidance.

Sarah Johnson:

I've worked a lot yesterday to get some more free resources relating to war on my website

There is no charge, please use them as is helpful for you and your communities

https://lnkd.in/eTJP4wtz

Louise Dawson

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/louiseinclusion_things-feel-different-arabic-activity-7434505285802672128-epYK?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAZ-4IgB7NeHtFDKodx9z7IIo3hZafNjeOo

Julie Knight

Ivan Langton

Meet link - https://drive.google.com/file/d/16KLND4P4Z1-2A6FQP4vNWZo3TQNyOg05/view?usp=sharing

Google vids to record content or make content - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1myPhqdcFh5vmhiG1MKmZOkLg5bTZ7Kq7/view?usp=sharing

Canva code - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eIXPZ12SQbvV431bg9dYuWfxzwpHN44n/view?usp=sharing

Google assignments - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OaV3qdL3xsW2bqp9jk9s_zExBxylhjWV/view?usp=sharing

https://www.linkedin.com/in/misterel/

debra forsyth

https://www.bsme.org.uk/

https://www.cobis.org.uk/

Jeffrey Smith

We begin this episode with Laurie Forcier and Pablo Langa from EDT & Partners, who share their insights on global education strategy and the impact of artificial intelligence amid today's shifting geopolitical landscape.

Next, Graham Feek from Greenwood Academies Trust highlights an important warning regarding potential hardware supply shortages in the education sector. He also emphasizes that schools must begin shifting their culture in how they view technology as an investment that drives efficiency, rather than merely an expense.

The conversation continues with Jarno Aantjes from ReadSpeaker, who explains how their text-to-speech technology supports the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) approach in creating more inclusive learning environments for neurodivergent students and additional language learners.

Complementing this discussion, Katie Freeman from Internet Matters underscores the importance of media literacy and online safety for children. She also stresses the need for schools to transition toward safer, more protected AI usage approaches by 2026.

Although Bett UK 2026 has concluded, innovation in education never stops. Visit https://uk.bettshow.com/ to explore event highlights and stay connected with the global education community.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Edmentum — visit https://www.edmentum.com/ — and fully supported by the Bett team.

We kick off this episode with Neelam Parmar, who shares her insights on digital transformation and the integration of AI within global education systems. Neelam highlights how different regions are leading technological innovation, from online safety standards in the UK and AI-driven healthcare efficiency in China, to groundbreaking tech testbeds in the Middle East. Next, we turn to Derek Devine from Clever, who shares his unique career journey transitioning from a wedding planner to the world of EdTech. Derek explains how the Clever platform is alleviating the burden on schools worldwide by providing accessible, free technology for educators and students.

Rounding out the conversation, Kat Couchie from NetSupport joins us to discuss the strong sense of community at Bett this year, including the fantastic energy at the Women in EdTech events. Kat also emphasizes the crucial renewed focus on inclusion and support for SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities), reminding us that any use of technology in the classroom must always be driven by strong pedagogical reasons to truly support student development and needs.

Although Bett UK 2026 has come to a close, innovation in education never stops. Visit https://uk.bettshow.com/ to explore the event's highlights and stay connected with the global education community. This episode is proudly sponsored by Edmentum—visit them at https://www.edmentum.com/—and fully supported by the Bett team.

In this episode, we welcome Edward Fitzpatrick, CEO of Conflow Power, to discuss the revolutionary "iLamp." Edward explains how he is transforming the humble street light from a "dumb," single-use utility into a smart, multi-functional device likening the shift to the evolution from a simple watch to a smartphone. He details the groundbreaking battery technology behind it, which allows these lamps to function off-grid by harvesting ambient energy, effectively creating a self-sustaining power source on every street corner.

The conversation expands into the critical intersection of energy and Artificial Intelligence. Edward introduces the concept of "AI Factories"—off-grid data centers powered entirely by renewable sources. He argues that as AI's power consumption skyrockets, the traditional grid cannot cope, necessitating a move to decentralized power solutions that can rejuvenate rural areas and farms while supporting the next generation of computing without environmental cost.

Finally, Edward highlights the immense educational potential of this technology, inviting schools and universities to witness these innovations firsthand at their site in Warwickshire. He believes that seeing "live physics" and tangible coding applications can inspire a new generation of engineers. You can learn more about these projects at ilamp.com, conflowpower.com, and aifactories.com

In this episode, we explore the intersection of technology, scalability, and human connection. We begin with Peter Lancet from My Trencher, who discusses the "numbers game" university career services face. He explains how his platform provides an "operational layer" that allows small teams to support thousands of students, moving from reactive advice to strategically identifying and assisting those most at risk. The conversation then deepens with Doug Delpha, a Professor at the University of Strasbourg and AI Engineer. Doug advocates for a return to the "Aristotle and Plato" style of mentorship, arguing that while teachers must become AI-proficient, their primary role is to be a protected human figure who can handle sensitive student crises that chatbots simply cannot. Crucially, Doug also issues a wake-up call regarding digital sovereignty, challenging international institutions to build "elasticity" into their systems rather than relying blindly on American infrastructure that could be impacted by geopolitical shifts or outages.

We then turn our focus to the administrative side of inclusion with Andy Bell from Trellis. A winner of the CivTech award in Scotland, Andy shares how his team is using AI to alleviate the paperwork burden in Special Educational Needs (SEND) departments. By transcribing meetings and automatically creating first drafts of child plans, Trellis is helping councils and teachers reclaim valuable time, allowing them to focus less on administration and more on the students who need them most.

Ready to learn more about the future of learning? This episode is proudly sponsored by Everway and Edmentum. Discover how they are transforming education by visiting https://www.everway.com/ and https://www.edmentum.com/.