Why This Matters 

Our children are growing up in a world where social media and artificial intelligence (AI) shape how they learn, connect, and see themselves. These tools offer incredible opportunities for creativity, communication, and learning. At the same time, they present risks that parents and schools need to navigate carefully together. Finding the right balance is not about banning platforms or tools but about guiding children to use them wisely.

Navigating Social Media Safely

For many students, social media is their main way of communicating. It helps them stay in touch with friends, share achievements, and explore their interests. Used well, it can support identity and belonging. But the challenges are also real:

• Privacy and oversharing. Students may not realise how much personal information they give away in posts, photos, or videos.
• Unfiltered content. Harmful or age-inappropriate material is only ever a click away.

What we do in school: We teach digital citizenship, resilience, and critical thinking. Students take part in workshops and lessons where they discuss strategies like setting boundaries, talking openly about online pressures, and using parental controls effectively. We also encourage them to pause and think before they post.

Tips for parents: 

• Ask your child to show you how they use their favourite platform. This opens the door for conversation rather than conflict.
• Set clear expectations around screen time and device-free times of day, such as meals or before bedtime.
• Keep talking about online experiences in a calm, curious way so your child feels comfortable sharing both the positives and the challenges.

AI and Our Students 

Artificial intelligence is increasingly part of everyday life, from voice assistants to tools like ChatGPT. Used positively, AI can support learning, spark creativity, and help students practise new skills. But it also raises important questions for young people.

• Deepfakes and misinformation. Students need to recognise when images, videos, or news might not be real.
• Plagiarism and shortcuts. Relying on AI to “do the work” can undermine learning and confidence.
• Digital footprint. Students must understand how their use of AI tools contributes to their online identity.

What we do in school: We teach students how to use AI responsibly. This means encouraging curiosity and experimentation, while building the critical literacy skills to question sources, verify facts, and recognise manipulation.

Tips for parents:

• Explore AI tools together. Ask your child: “Do you think this answer is accurate?” or “What might be missing?” This builds healthy scepticism.
• Talk about how AI is created and remind children that it does not always give correct or balanced information.
• Reinforce the importance of doing their own work and using AI as a helper, not a substitute for thinking.

Working Together

Safeguarding in the digital age is a partnership. Schools provide guidance, training, and safe environments, but families play a vital role in continuing the conversation at home. When both work together, children develop the confidence to make wise choices online and offline.

At St. Andrews International School Sukhumvit 107, we want students not only to be protected but to be prepared. The skills they learn about social media, AI, and digital citizenship will serve them well beyond school, in higher education and in their future careers.

Key Takeaways for Parents 

• Talk openly about social media use and approach conversations with curiosity, not confrontation.
• Set agreed boundaries such as screen time, device-free zones, and age-appropriate platforms.
• Explore AI together and model critical questioning.
• Encourage your child to seek help if something online makes them uncomfortable.
• Keep communication ongoing, not just when problems arise.

Final Thoughts

Technology is not slowing down, and our children will continue to grow up in a fast-changing digital world. By staying informed, keeping communication open, and working in partnership, families and schools can help young people use social media and AI positively and safely. Together, we can give them the tools to thrive, not just survive, in the digital age.

If you would like to learn more about how St. Andrews Sukhumvit 107 supports students in all areas of their education, including digital citizenship, academic success and personal growth, please complete our Enquiry Form and our Admissions Team will be happy to assist.

As someone who has recently joined the St. Andrews International School Sukhumvit 107 community, I was immediately struck by how friendly, energetic, and involved our parents are. In many schools, parent involvement fades after the first few weeks. At S107 it is part of daily life. 

Why parent engagement matters at S107 

When parents, teachers, and students pull in the same direction, children feel supported, information flows clearly, and school life becomes richer. Strong parent engagement also builds confidence in students, strengthens year group connections, and helps events and learning initiatives run smoothly. This aligns with one of our core values at S107: Support. 

What happens through the year 

We follow a regular Parent Event Calendar with touchpoints that keep everyone informed and involved.

• Parent Representative meetings. Parent Representatives meet to share feedback from year groups, brainstorm ideas for upcoming events, and raise ad-hoc topics that need attention.

Parent Representatives meeting to discuss year group feedback and plan upcoming events.

• Coffee Mornings with Heads of Department.  Short, focused sessions where parents hear what is coming up, what is needed, and how to help at home.
• Flagship community events.  This term we hosted our annual Parent Cheese and Wine Night, a highlight that brings new and returning families together and sets a welcoming tone for the year.

Parents enjoying the Parent Rep Afternoon Tea

Seasonal events are a big part of the S107 rhythm too. Parents help plan and run Halloween activities, International Day, and Christmas celebrations. These are more than calendar dates. They are opportunities for students to learning, for families to share culture and food, and for year groups to bond.

Voices from our Parent Representatives 

Angelika shared: “I am really happy to be back with our Parent Rep community after taking a year to focus on my business. I missed the fun of Halloween, International Day, and Christmas events. It feels great to support the school across all ages and to create meaningful projects together.” 

Pat explained why she joined: “I wanted to help the S107 Parent Rep group reunite. I wanted to help the year groups bond more, be more involved, and work as a team more effectively.”

S107 Staff work closely with parents to strengthen engagement across the school.

You can also hear a parent perspective in this  Early Years video testimonial  from one of our EY families here.

How parents can get involved 

Getting started is simple. Here are a few practical ways to contribute. 

1. Attend a Coffee Morning. Meet staff, hear what is coming up, and learn how to support learning at home.
2. Volunteer for an event. Help with set up, activities, food, or communications for Halloween, International Day, Christmas, or other school days.
3. Become a Parent Rep or support your year group Rep. Share feedback from families, pass on information, and help coordinate participation.
4. Offer your skills. Photography, design, crafts, languages, logistics, sponsorship, or community connections all make a real difference.
5. Welcome new families. A friendly hello, a quick message, or help with a first event goes a long way.

What we see as a result 

When parents are actively involved, students experience a stronger sense of belonging and pride in their school. Communication improves, events run more smoothly, and families feel connected across year groups. This is the community culture that sets S107 apart. 

Who coordinates parent support 

I sit on the S107 Parent Support Group Committee together with Head of School  Caroline Ratcliffe   and School Manager Kingkan De Vos.  We work closely with Parent Representatives across year groups to keep engagement meaningful and manageable. 

Ready to join in

To get inviolved, email School Manager Kingkan De Vos  at kngkand@standrews-schools.com and let us know your interests. If you would like to learn more about our school, please complete the Enquiry Form and our team will be in touch.