Using AI at home: what families need to know to stay safe online

Artificial intelligence, or AI, is already part of everyday family life. It helps with homework, recommends videos on social media and lets children create photos or videos in seconds. OK, we also enjoy that last one ourselves.

AI will become even more integral in our lives – and it can be helpful, creative and even empowering. But as AI becomes more widely used, criminals are finding ways to misuse it too. Today’s scams are faster, more convincing and more personal than ever, because they are often powered by the same technology we enjoy using.

As a founding member of online safety organisation Internet Matters, we’re committed to helping keep families safe online with tools like Virgin Media Essential Security and Virgin Media Advanced Security.

To mark the UK Safer Internet Centre’s Safer Internet Day 2026 and its theme – “Smart tech, safe choices: exploring the safe and responsible use of AI” – here are our top tips to help you support your family as we explore both sides of AI. The good and the bad. Let’s dive in.

Children and young adults in 2026 are often called “digital natives”. They grow up surrounded by apps, devices and online services, rather than the older ones among us who adopted tech at a later age. That can make them seem naturally confident online. Many parents assume confidence equals safety. But that’s not always true.

Research from 2025 shows young adults aged 18-24 are significantly more likely to experience cybercrime than older age groups. High online activity and app use, combined with overconfidence about spotting scams, make young people especially attractive targets.

Because scams are often designed with AI, they are no longer easy to spot. Teenagers and young adults regularly explore new tools, download apps and click links shared by friends or influencers. In busy moments, even a small mistake can be enough.

For families, this means awareness matters more than confidence. Spending a lot of time online does not automatically mean being protected.

AI doesn’t only introduce new scams. It also brings quieter risks that are easy to overlook.

Many AI-powered apps collect personal data such as photos, voices, messages and usage habits. Children may not understand what they are sharing, where that information is stored or how long it remains online.

AI also blurs the line between real and fake. Images, videos and conversations may sound convincing, even when they are not genuine. Recommendation systems can influence emotions, attention and self-esteem.

When used responsibly, AI can support learning and creativity. But used without awareness, it can quietly chip away at privacy and trust.

Recent research uncovered a large-scale scam involving fake AI video generator websites. These sites looked like well-known tools and were promoted through social media ads seen by millions. Users were invited to create a video, but instead downloaded harmful software that stole passwords, payment details and social media access.

More than 30 fake AI websites were identified, and many stayed online for months. At the same time, criminals are using underground AI tools to generate convincing phishing messages, fake support chats and scam emails – all designed to look helpful and trustworthy.

For families, the warning signs are important. Be cautious with:

• “Early access” offers

• Free trials for unreleased tools

• Apps that promise incredible results with little effort 

If something feels rushed or too good to be true, it usually is.

The good news is that AI is not only used by criminals. It is also one of the most effective tools in stopping them.

Modern security solutions use AI to watch for suspicious behaviour across websites, messages, downloads and apps. Instead of relying only on known threats, they look for unusual patterns – allowing them to spot scams even when they are brand new.

That means phishing messages can be flagged before they are opened, fake shopping sites blocked before payment details are entered and harmful downloads stopped before they install. AI can also notice when accounts behave strangely, such as logins from unfamiliar locations or devices.

For families, speed is everything. Scams are designed to succeed in seconds, often when someone is distracted. Protection powered by AI spots dangers faster than humans can, reducing the chance that a single click or tap turns into a serious problem.

Technology can help, but safety still starts at home. If you want to start a useful conversation about AI with your family, you do not need to understand how the technology works. Focus on what children see and use. Ask questions like:

• Where do you see AI being used today?

• What apps or tools do your friends talk about?

• Have you ever seen something online that did not feel quite right?

Using real examples makes these conversations easier. Fake AI apps, scam messages or AI-generated images that look real can help children understand that not everything online is what it seems.

Setting a few clear family rules can prevent many problems before they start:

• Check before you click – always pause before downloading new apps or trying new AI tools

• Ask first, especially for apps that promise powerful features or early access

• If it feels rushed or too good to be true, stop

And of course, security habits are just as important:

• Keep devices and apps updated

• Use strong, unique password (a password manager like Virgin Media Advanced Security’s Password Vault helps remember your and your child’s passwords)

• Turn on two-factor authentication

• Make sure antivirus and online protection tools are active on all family devices

• Review app permissions together and delete apps you no longer use

Most importantly, keep conversations open and judgment-free. If something confusing or worrying happens online, family members should feel safe speaking up. Mistakes happen and blame only helps scammers. Families stay safer when problems are shared early and handled together.

AI is neither good nor bad by default. It is a powerful tool, shaped by how it is used. With the right habits and awareness, AI can support creativity, learning and connection. And with the right protection in place, it also helps guard against threats that are increasingly difficult to spot alone.

This Safer Internet Day, take a moment to talk about AI at home. Share examples, ask questions and agree on a few simple rules you can all follow. As proven by research, confidence alone does not keep families safe online. Awareness, good habits and the right protection do. When smart technology is paired with smart choices and built-in protection, families can explore the digital world safely.

Get advice on how to talk to children and young people about using AI from Internet Matters here.

Kick things up a notch with our award-winning Advanced Security add-on for £3.50 a month or £35 a year. It’s packed with premium features that’ll keep you safe on as many devices as you need – even when you’re not connected to your home WiFi. Sign up here for Virgin Media Advanced Security to start your no-commitment three-month trial today. No bank or credit card details are required for the trial. Then download it on all your online devices to get going.

Don’t forget that for Virgin Media broadband customers, Essential Security is always on guard, picking up on scam websites and warning you before your devices are exposed to anything malicious. That means your family can browse to the max, knowing we’ve got your backs. The best bit? It’s built into your home’s WiFi network, at no extra cost – and it’s automatically activated when you join us, so you don’t need to lift a finger. Manage your Essential Security, including parental controls, from My Virgin Media.