How to keep your child safe when using AI

Not sure how to approach your child’s use of artificial intelligence? These practical steps can help you feel more confident supporting them

Artificial intelligence (AI) is quickly becoming part of everyday life. From homework help and AI-generated search summaries to chatbots, image generators, and videos – it’s everywhere. For children and teens, using these tools can feel intuitive, exciting, and sometimes even essential. But spotting when AI has been used, knowing how much they should use AI, and learning how to use it as a tool – not a replacement for learning and creativity – can be tricky.

AI brings new challenges for parents to navigate. From misinformation and over-reliance to privacy concerns and blurred lines between real and AI-generated content, the risks aren’t always obvious, even for adults. The good news is you don’t need to be an expert to support your child. Simple conversations and clear boundaries can go a long way in helping them learn to use these tools safely and mindfully – and to feel confident in speaking up if they see something they aren’t sure about.

Here are some practical ways to help keep your child safe when using AI, so they can benefit from the positives while staying aware of the risks.

Be curious

Opening up the conversation can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Start by asking what AI tools they’re already using, their purpose, and what they like about them. Encouraging open conversations about online behaviour and what AI they are using can help you get a better idea of what they’re already doing and their current understanding. It can also help build trust and encourage them to come to you if they find something that is confusing or makes them uncomfortable.

Use simple terms to explain AI

Some children view AI as an all-knowing source, or assume whatever answer it gives them will be 100% true. Using simple terms, gently explain that AI generates responses based on patterns. It can – and does – get things wrong. Helping them learn to question what they read and see aids in building critical thinking skills and can reduce the risk of falling for misinformation.

Set clear boundaries around use

Having a clear chat about when and how AI should be used can be helpful. Sit down together and agree when it can be used, and when it shouldn’t be used. For example, they might have homework from school that suggests using AI, or use it for fun through websites that allow image, video, or music creation, or editing using AI tools.

You might set the expectation that it’s OK for them to use AI for brainstorming ideas or explaining a concept in another way if they’re finding it tricky to understand, but not to outline or fully write an assignment. Encourage them to think of AI as a helpful tool for understanding and simplifying concepts, but not something to use to replace critical thinking or to do the work for them.

Talk about privacy and personal information

Remind children not to share their personal details with AI tools or apps. They shouldn’t put their full name, school, or location into AI, because these platforms often collect and store personal data. Understanding how to stay safe online is an important part of learning how to use the tech and digital spaces they will continue to use as they grow. Instilling good habits around digital safety early can be a big help.

Watch out for signs of over-reliance

If you’re worried your child is starting to turn to AI for every answer, is struggling to complete tasks by themselves, or seems to grow frustrated quickly when not using AI, it could be time to reset boundaries and encourage balance. AI can support learning, but it shouldn’t replace thinking or creativity.

Set a good example

Show them how you use AI responsibly and sceptically. This could be showing them how you might fact-check an answer ChatGPT gives you, what AI tools you do – and don’t – use as part of your own work or recreational activities, or explaining any signs you look out for that you might need a break from AI.

Check in and keep the conversation going

Technology evolves quickly – and so will how your child uses it. Check in regularly with them to see how they are doing, what they are using, and if the boundaries in place are still working. Create and nurture that space for open discussion. You don’t need to have all the answers; simply being present and engaged can make all the difference.