AI and children: a parent's guide to AI safety
How children are using AI chatbots, image tools and AI features in apps, the benefits and risks, and simple rules for safe use at home.
- AI is already built into apps your child uses: chatbots, search, messaging, photo filters.
- Benefits include learning help and creativity; risks include wrong answers, oversharing, emotional dependence, and fake images.
- Teach three rules: check what AI says, don't share personal details, and AI isn't a friend or therapist.
Artificial intelligence (AI) tools that write, talk, make images and answer questions have become part of everyday life, including for children. Your child may use AI in a chatbot like ChatGPT, Gemini or Meta AI, in Snapchat's My AI, in search results, in photo filters, or in apps you've never heard of.
How children use AI
- Homework help: explaining topics, checking answers, writing essays. See AI and homework.
- Creativity: making images, stories, music and videos
- Curiosity: asking questions they might not ask an adult
- Company: chatting with AI characters or "companions". See AI companion apps.
- Fun: filters, face swaps, voice changers
The benefits
Used well, AI can be a patient tutor, a creative tool and a way to explore ideas. It can help children who struggle with reading or writing, explain things in Tagalog or English, and spark curiosity.
The risks
Wrong answers
AI tools can state false information confidently, and invent sources. Children may not realise.
Oversharing
Children may tell chatbots personal details, feelings and secrets. That information may be stored and used. See what kids shouldn't tell AI chatbots.
Emotional dependence
AI chatbots are designed to be agreeable and available all the time. Some children, especially lonely teens, form strong attachments to AI characters, which can crowd out real relationships or give harmful advice.
Inappropriate content
AI tools can sometimes produce sexual, violent or harmful content, especially less well-moderated apps.
Fake images and voices
AI can create realistic fake images, videos and voices, used for bullying, scams and sexual abuse. See deepfakes and nudify apps and AI voice-clone scams.
Shortcuts in learning
Relying on AI to do schoolwork can mean children don't learn the skills they need.
Three rules for kids
- Check what AI tells you. It can be wrong. Look it up somewhere reliable.
- Don't share personal details. No full name, school, address, photos or secrets.
- AI isn't a friend, doctor or counsellor. For real problems, talk to a real person.
What parents can do
- Know which AI tools your child uses. See which AI tools are okay at what age.
- Use parental controls where AI tools offer them.
- Try AI together. Ask it questions and spot mistakes together.
- Talk about fakes. See spotting AI images and videos.
- Watch for heavy use of AI companions, especially by teens who seem isolated.
eGuard sets up screen time, bedtime and app rules on your child's phone and checks that each one is really on. Free for one child.