Like it or not, artificial intelligence is not going anywhere. Artificial intelligence is making its way into the beauty industry, healthcare, and even the world of dating. Education is paramount given that AI continues to impact nearly every aspect of life. Adults are doing their best to manipulate it in real time, but a recent investigation by the Washington Post found that chatbots are primarily used for homework and sex, so kids don’t have much to say about AI. It is equally important to talk to others.
The huge rise of AI can be overwhelming. Artificial intelligence is a set of technologies that enable computers to perform a variety of advanced functions that normally require human intelligence, such as understanding speech, recognizing images, and making informed decisions, Parenting says. said technology expert Letitia Barr. “Think of AI as the brain behind the technology you use every day,” she says.
And whether you realize it or not, AI is constantly shaping the content you and your children consume based on what it “thinks” you might like, says Clinical Psychology. says academic Dr. Jessica Flannery. AI is everywhere, from TikTok’s algorithms to Netflix’s show recommendations to Siri’s suggestions for nearby dinner restaurants.
As a result, the rapid rise of AI is changing the way children interact with technology on a daily basis. “AI is quietly shaping the way children see, do, and think,” says AI expert Stephanie Worrell. “AI-powered tools offer great educational and entertainment opportunities, but they also come with risks, especially when it comes to online safety and data privacy.”
We spoke to three experts about how to accurately talk to kids about AI, and the manageable steps you can take to keep everyone safe and informed.
Experts introduced in this article
Leticia Barr is a parenting and education expert at Brainly, an AI-powered education company.
Dr. Jessica Flannery is a licensed clinical psychologist and lead parent at Aura, a digital safety service.
Stephanie Worrell is an AI expert and author of Raising AI-Smart Kids.
How to talk to kids about AI
start early
When to introduce AI concepts is entirely up to you and your family, but Worrell suggests starting the conversation as early as ages 5 to 8. “Reinforce the idea that AI can be useful by relating it to how toys and apps work” in games and learning. ”
Siri and Alexa are clear examples of how AI influences, interacts with, and supports our daily lives, but behind the scenes, AI powers your favorite apps and algorithms like TikTok, YouTube, and Netflix. Children may understand how it is being reinforced. added Flannery.
Use AI tools together
One of the best ways for parents to teach their children how to use AI safely and responsibly is to use the tools with them, Flannery says. “As a parent, you’re learning too. Approach the conversation with a collaborative lens of exploring this technology together.” Framing the conversation as accusatory or not trusting your child Instead of framing it as something like this, explain what you’re learning as a team about AI inside and out.
Not only does this open the door to questions, concerns, and critical thinking, Flannery says, but it also helps keep the conversation going. “Do your best to be an open resource for children to come to you, especially if they see something scary, untrue, or inappropriate online.”
set expectations
Worrell says once your child receives their own phone or device, it’s time to set clear expectations about how to use AI tools responsibly. “Describe how AI apps like chatbots and recommendation systems use your data, and why it’s important not to share too much personal information online.” Name, Address , school, and other sensitive information should be kept offline and never shared with chatbots.
It’s also a good idea to differentiate between productive screen time and passive screen time, Barr says. “Productive use of this technology is for homework help or projects, while passive use is scrolling or consuming content for entertainment.” Passive screen time involves time. Consider setting limits, she explains.
When it comes to homework, emphasize that AI should not “do” your homework for you. “Teachers always know when children have used AI tools to complete their homework, so it is essential to distinguish between plagiarism and the use of AI as part of the learning process,” Bar said. says Mr.
Worrell agreed, noting that children should use AI to simplify complex homework assignments without relying too heavily on it. “The goal is to enhance learning, not replace it.” Flannery and Barr partner with Khan Academy, Prodigy, Osmo, and Brainly to foster productive and safe learning through AI. is recommended.
Consider installing privacy controls
Just as we are careful about keeping personal information private, Worrell recommends talking with kids about protecting AI-enabled devices like phones, tablets, and smart speakers to prevent unwanted data sharing. I’m doing it. “Check the privacy settings on all AI-enabled devices your child uses, disable location services, and make sure they only allow microphone and camera access when necessary,” she says. Whenever possible, it’s also wise to enable two-factor authentication for an added layer of security.
If you want to monitor your child’s AI usage, Flannery recommends Aura Parental Controls, which can block harmful content and filter apps and websites.
Dealing with misinformation
Worrell says with misinformation pervasive in every corner of the web, it’s important to address that AI is not the final authority. Remind kids that not everything AI tells you is true, and that while AI can support and enhance learning, it can also provide misinformation. . “Encourage your children to think critically about the information provided by AI. Not all information provided by AI is accurate or unbiased, so children should be aware of how they evaluate the content they see. you need to understand.”
It’s easy to take everything at face value, but Barr recommends reminding children regularly to question online content and distinguish between reliable and unreliable sources. “Ultimately, we want to increase media literacy in children by encouraging critical thinking and reminding them not to trust everything they read online.”
let’s continue the conversation
Interactions with AI should not be a one-and-done transaction, says Worrell. “Talk regularly with your children about their online experiences and create an open environment where they feel safe sharing concerns and issues they encounter in their digital lives.”
Ultimately, AI is here to stay, so rather than ignoring its relevance and impact on our lives, Flannery suggests starting a non-judgmental conversation. “Kids will explore AI, which is normal and expected. Stay on top of AI usage and focus on putting guardrails in place without stunting their growth. .”
