TL;DR

Kids use AI for homework help, creative projects, and funā€”but they need guidance on privacy, accuracy, and healthy use. Set boundaries, monitor usage, and teach critical thinking.

How kids use AI

Schoolwork:

  • Homework help and explanations
  • Research and summarizing
  • Writing assistance

Creativity:

  • AI art generators
  • Story writing
  • Music creation

Entertainment:

  • Chatting with AI (character AIs)
  • Games with AI NPCs
  • Filters on social media

Risks parents should know

Privacy concerns:

  • Kids may share personal information
  • Conversations are often stored
  • Data used to train future models

Academic integrity:

  • Temptation to have AI do homework
  • Schools may consider this cheating
  • Undermines actual learning

Inaccurate information:

  • AI "hallucinates" false facts
  • Kids may not know to verify
  • Could impact grades or understanding

Inappropriate content:

  • AI can generate harmful responses if prompted
  • Filters aren't perfect
  • Kids might encounter mature topics

Emotional attachment:

  • Kids forming relationships with AI characters
  • Preferring AI chat over real friends
  • Unhealthy social development

Age-appropriate guidelines

Ages 5-10:

  • Supervised use only
  • Kid-friendly AI tools (voice assistants with parental controls)
  • No chatbots without adult present

Ages 11-13:

  • Guided use for school projects
  • Teach: "AI is a tool, not a friend"
  • Monitor conversation history

Ages 14+:

  • More independence with clear rules
  • Emphasize academic integrity
  • Regular check-ins about AI use

How to keep kids safe

1. Set clear rules

  • When and where AI can be used
  • What information never to share (full name, address, school, photos)
  • Require permission for new AI tools

2. Use together first

  • Explore AI tools with your child
  • Show them how to use responsibly
  • Discuss what's appropriate

3. Teach critical thinking

  • "Always verify AI facts"
  • "AI can be wrongā€”check other sources"
  • "Don't believe everything AI says"

4. Monitor usage

  • Review conversation history occasionally
  • Use parental controls where available
  • Notice changes in behavior

5. Talk about privacy

  • Never share personal details
  • Explain: "AI companies store what you type"
  • Use school-approved tools when possible

Teaching responsible AI use

For homework:

  • "Use AI to understand, not to copy"
  • "AI explains, but you write your own answers"
  • "Ask AI to check your work, not do it for you"

For creativity:

  • "AI gives ideas; you make them yours"
  • "Use AI for inspiration, add your own twist"

For research:

  • "AI is a starting point, not the source"
  • "Always verify with reliable websites"

Red flags to watch for

  • Spending excessive time chatting with AI
  • Secretive about AI usage
  • Declining grades (using AI to cheat)
  • Talking about AI as if it's a real friend
  • Emotional distress when AI access is limited

Kid-friendly AI tools

Safe options:

  • Khan Academy AI tutor (education)
  • Google Assistant with Family Link (parental controls)
  • Duolingo (language learning with AI)
  • Kid-safe search engines (Kiddle)

Avoid:

  • Unfiltered chatbots
  • AI character chat apps (many lack safeguards)
  • Tools without age restrictions

School policies

  • Many schools are developing AI policies
  • Some ban AI-written work entirely
  • Others allow AI for brainstorming/editing only
  • Check your child's school guidelines

Talking to your kids about AI

Start early:

  • "AI is a computer program, not a person"
  • "It's a tool, like a calculator"

Be honest:

  • "AI makes mistakes"
  • "AI doesn't have feelings"
  • "Using AI to cheat hurts you, not just your grade"

Stay involved:

  • Ask: "What AI tools are you using?"
  • "Show me what you're working on"
  • "How is AI helping you learn?"

The bottom line

AI can be a valuable learning tool for kidsā€”but it requires parental guidance, clear rules, and ongoing conversations. Teach kids to use AI responsibly, verify information, and prioritize real-world connections.

Technology is here to stay. Prepare your kids to use it wisely.

What's next

  • AI for Students
  • AI and Privacy Basics
  • Teaching Digital Literacy