Overview
AI Chatbots and Real Friendships
This course is designed for primary aged pupils (7 to 11 years) to help them understand AI chatbots and how they differ from real human friendships, with a strong focus on online safety and wellbeing.
What this course covers
- What AI chatbots are, explained in simple, age appropriate language
- Understanding that chatbots are computer programs, not real people
- Why chatbots can sound friendly or human, even though they are not friends
- The difference between real friendships and digital interactions
- When technology can be helpful or fun, and when it is not appropriate
- Why children should never share personal information with chatbots
Key safety messages for pupils
- Not everything that talks online is a real person
- Chatbots are tools, not friends
- Real help comes from parents, carers, and teachers, not from technology
- Feeling unsure or uncomfortable is a sign to stop and tell an adult
What’s Included in the Download?
Ready to deliver slide deck
Fully prepared lesson slides with clear teacher notes for confident, no prep delivery.
Pupil quiz
Age appropriate questions to check understanding and reinforce key safety messages.
Classroom poster
Visual reminders to reinforce learning and support ongoing discussions about AI and real friendships.
Parent handout
Clear, simple guidance ready to be emailed to parents explaining what children learned and how to continue the conversation at home.
Teacher checklist (compliance and evidence)
Printable checklist to support RSHE (England) and RSHP (Scotland) curriculum evidence and safeguarding records.
Key Learning Outcomes
By the end of this lesson, pupils will be able to:
- Explain what an AI chatbot is in simple, age appropriate language
- Understand that AI chatbots are computer programs and not real people
- Recognise the difference between real friendships and digital interactions
- Identify that friendly or human sounding messages do not mean someone is a real friend
- Know that personal information should never be shared with chatbots
- Understand that technology cannot replace support from trusted adults
- Recognise when something online feels confusing or uncomfortable
- Know what action to take if something online worries them, including telling a trusted adult
How This Meets RSHE, RSHP and KCSIE
RSHE (England)
This lesson supports statutory Relationships Education and Health Education requirements by helping pupils to:
- Understand that people online may not be who they claim to be
- Recognise the difference between real world relationships and online interactions
- Learn how to keep personal information private
- Identify unsafe or uncomfortable online situations
- Know how and when to seek help from trusted adults
The lesson reinforces key RSHE themes including:
- Online safety and digital resilience
- Safe and respectful relationships
- Personal boundaries and decision making
- Emotional wellbeing and help seeking
Teaching is age appropriate, non alarming, and focuses on empowerment rather than fear, in line with DfE guidance.
KCSIE (Keeping Children Safe in Education)
This lesson supports KCSIE safeguarding duties by:
- Educating pupils about online risks, including interacting with unknown individuals or systems that may appear friendly
- Helping pupils recognise warning signs and red flags in digital environments
- Encouraging early disclosure and reassurance that pupils will not be in trouble for speaking up
- Reinforcing the role of trusted adults and safeguarding pathways
The lesson contributes to a whole school safeguarding approach by:
- Promoting a culture of openness and communication
- Supporting preventative education rather than reactive intervention
- Providing documented evidence through teacher checklists, lesson materials, and parent communication
RSHP (Scotland)
This lesson aligns with RSHP experiences and outcomes by supporting pupils to:
- Develop awareness of safety and risk in digital environments
- Understand relationships, trust, and appropriate boundaries
- Build emotional literacy and confidence in decision making
- Identify trusted people and support networks
The lesson reflects RSHP principles by being:
- Age and stage appropriate
- Inclusive and accessible
- Focused on wellbeing, relationships, and personal safety
- Delivered in a supportive, non judgemental way
Whole School and Parental Engagement
In addition, this resource supports schools by:
- Providing parent handouts to extend learning beyond the classroom
- Offering inspection ready evidence through structured lesson plans and checklists
- Supporting consistent safeguarding messages between school and home