Which AI tools are okay at what age?
Age requirements and parental controls for popular AI chatbots and tools, and a practical approach for each age group.
- Most general AI chatbots require users to be 13 or older, often with parental permission under 18.
- Some offer parental controls, such as linked accounts, quiet hours and content limits.
- Under 13, use AI together with your child rather than alone.
AI tools are changing quickly, and so are their age rules. This guide gives a general approach; always check the current terms and settings of each tool.
Age requirements
| Tool type | Typical age rules |
|---|---|
| General chatbots (ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Copilot and others) | Usually 13+, with parental permission under 18; some require 18+ |
| AI inside social apps (Meta AI, Snapchat My AI) | Follows the app's age rules, generally 13+ |
| AI companion and character apps | Often 18+; some have restricted or ended under-18 access |
| AI image and video generators | Varies; many 18+ or 13+ with restrictions |
| Kids' educational AI tools | Designed for children, often through schools |
Google has offered Gemini to some younger children with supervised accounts through Family Link, with additional protections. OpenAI added parental controls to ChatGPT in 2025, letting parents link accounts with their teen, set quiet hours and limit some features. Check what's currently available in your region.
Parental controls to look for
- Linked parent accounts
- Quiet hours when the tool can't be used
- Content filters for sensitive topics
- Turning off memory, so personal details aren't stored
- Turning off image generation or voice
- Alerts if the tool detects signs of serious distress
By age
Under 9
Use AI together, as a fun activity: ask questions, make silly stories, spot mistakes. No independent use.
9 to 12
Supervised use for specific purposes, like homework explanations, on a shared device in a common area. Teach the three rules: check answers, don't share personal details, AI isn't a friend.
13 to 15
Independent use of mainstream chatbots, within their age rules, with parental controls where available. Talk about homework honesty, companion apps and privacy.
16 to 17
More independence, with ongoing conversations about accuracy, privacy, deepfakes and emotional reliance.
Block or avoid
- AI companion apps with romantic or adult features
- Nudify and face-swap apps. See deepfakes and nudify apps.
- Unknown AI apps that ask for lots of personal data or photos
Use app approvals in Family Link or Screen Time.
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.