Overton Grange School launched the AI chatbot, named Quinly, this week to provide private support to students dealing with anxiety, exploitation, or emotional distress.
Quinly offers calm, friendly responses and encourages pupils to seek real-world help from organisations like Childline and the Samaritans.
The chatbot is designed as a “digital signpost” for students who might not feel comfortable speaking to a teacher or parent.
Developed by SaferSpace, Quinly uses AI technology from the creators of ChatGPT, OpenAI, to respond in age-appropriate language.
The chatbot does not store data, diagnose problems, or replace safeguarding procedures, but instead listens, offers reassurance, and directs children to support services.
Ruth Sparkes, co-founder of SaferSpace who developed Quinly, said: “There’s a crisis unfolding and I wanted to do something practical that schools could actually use.
“Quinly is not a replacement for real care.
“It’s just a way to help children take the first step when they feel stuck.”
The introduction of Quinly comes amidst growing concern for child safety and mental health.
Data from the Home Office shows that police in England and Wales recorded more than 38,000 child sexual abuse image offences last year – an average of over 100 per day.
A recent survey by the Office for National Statistics revealed that 7.5 per cent of adults experienced some form of sexual abuse before the age of 16, a figure which rises to 11.5 per cent for women.
The Children’s Commissioner also estimates that 34,000 children involved in or connected to gangs were victims of violent crime in the past year.
Overton Grange School was involved in early testing and is the first to host the tool on its live site.
Headteacher Chris McNab said: “We know young people don’t always come forward in the ways we expect.
“Quinly provides an accessible, supportive first step.
“It’s not a gimmick. It’s a meaningful addition to our pastoral care.”
The chatbot is available to schools and youth organisations for under £100 per year, and takes just minutes to install by adding a single line of code to their websites.
International versions are already in the works, with versions being prepared for US, European, and Scandinavian schools, tailored to local support services and languages.
Ruth Sparkes added: “Every school could have Quinly today, and I believe every school should.”
