Securly Unveils Powerful AI Governance for K-12 Schools, Ensuring Safer Student Searches

Securly's New AI Governance for Student Safety

In a world increasingly reliant on digital tools, ensuring the safety and well-being of students is paramount. Recognizing this need, Securly, a leader in K-12 student digital safety, has introduced a significant update to their platform: the "Restrict AI Mode" setting in Securly Filter. This new feature not only restricts Google's AI Mode but also blocks AI Overview, providing schools with greater control over students' online experiences.

The Need for Control Over AI

With the growing implementation of artificial intelligence in search engines, students are often exposed to AI-generated content without schools having a say in what information is presented. As Spence Mallder, Securly's Chief Technology Officer, articulated, "A search engine shouldn't decide when AI shows up in front of students; districts should." This philosophy underscores the importance of maintaining educational integrity while navigating digital advancements.

The AI Mode allows users to engage in a chat-style search experience while AI Overview offers a summary of search results. The challenge for educational institutions lies in managing these offerings effectively to ensure age-appropriate content is accessible to students. With the Restrict AI Mode enabled, students will only receive traditional Google search results, devoid of AI interpretations. This adjustment allows districts to decide when and how AI content can be integrated into the learning process.

Flexible Settings for Diverse Needs

Administrators now have the flexibility to toggle the AI settings on or off based on the policies established in their Filter Policy Editor. This adaptability means that districts can prohibit Google's AI features for younger students, while older students may be granted access as deemed necessary. Such a layered approach empowers educational leaders to make informed decisions that align with their pedagogical goals and the developmental stages of their students.

Furthermore, Securly's innovation goes beyond just restriction. Through Securly AI Transparency, districts can monitor and manage AI usage across various platforms, including popular educational AI tools like Gemini and ChatGPT. Reporting capabilities provide insights into student interactions with these resources, enabling educators to flag concerning conversations and set appropriate guardrails for AI discussions.

Between December 2025 and October 2026, Securly AI Transparency facilitated visibility into over 6.2 million student AI conversations across 1,806 districts in 39 states. This initiative represents a critical step toward understanding and guiding student engagement with digital tools.

A Legacy of Safety

For more than a decade, Securly has established itself as a beacon of digital safety for students. Empowering over 20 million students across 27,000 schools, the company manages more than 14 million school-issued devices while monitoring 75 million daily student digital activities. Securly's commitment extends beyond mere compliance; their tools prioritize student privacy, adhering to strict FERPA and COPPA regulations along with achieving SOC 2 certification.

As schools navigate an ever-evolving technological landscape, Securly remains dedicated to providing cutting-edge solutions that ensure both safety and engagement in learning environments. With the new AI governance feature, educational institutions can enhance their strategies to safeguard the scholastic atmosphere while harnessing the benefits that artificial intelligence offers.

For further details on Securly's innovative solutions and to learn how they can support your institution's digital safety needs, visit Securly's website.