Love it or hate it, artificial intelligence isn’t going anywhere: It’s infiltrated the beauty industry, healthcare space, and even the dating world. Given that AI continues to impact nearly every facet of life, education is paramount. Adults are doing their best to navigate it in real time, but since a recent study from The Washington Post found that chatbots are mainly used for homework and sex, talking to your kids about AI is equally important.
The mega-rise of AI can feel overwhelming. Artificial intelligence is a technology set that enables computers to execute various advanced functions that usually require human intelligence, like understanding speech, recognizing images, and making informed decisions, says parenting and technology expert Leticia Barr. “Think about AI as the brains behind the tech you use every day,” she says.
And whether you realize it or not, AI is constantly shaping the content you and your kids consume based on what it “thinks” you may like, says clinical psychologist Jessica Flannery, PhD. AI is omnipresent from the TikTok algorithm to Netflix show recommendations to Siri’s suggestion for a nearby dinner restaurant.
As a result, the rapid rise of AI is transforming how children interact with technology daily. “AI is quietly shaping what kids see, do, and how they think,” says AI expert Stephanie Worrell. “AI-powered tools offer great educational and entertainment opportunities, but they also come with risks, particularly regarding online safety and data privacy.”
We chatted with three experts on exactly how to talk to your kids about AI – and the manageable steps for keeping everyone safe and informed.
Experts Featured in This Article
Leticia Barr is a parenting and education expert at Brainly, an AI-powdered education company.
Jessica Flannery, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist and Chief Parent at Aura, a digital safety service.
Stephanie Worrell is an AI expert and author of “Raising AI-Smart Kids.”
How to Talk to Your Kids About AI
Start Early
When you introduce the concept of AI is entirely up to you and your family, but Worrell suggests having the conversation as early as 5 to 8 years old: “Relate it back to how their toys or apps work and reinforce the idea that AI can help with games and learning.”
Siri and Alexa are easy examples of how AI impacts, interacts, and supports day-to-day life, however, kids might appreciate how their favorite apps and algorithms like TikTok, YouTube, and Netflix are also powered by behind-the-scenes AI, adds Flannery.
Use AI Tools Together
One of the best ways for parents to teach their children about using AI safely and responsibly is to use the tools with them, Flannery says. “As parents, you’re learning, too. Approach the conversation with a collaborative lens of investigating this tech together.” Instead of framing the conversation as accusatory or like you don’t trust your kids, explain that you’re learning the ins and outs of AI as a team.
Not only will this open the door for questions, concerns, and critical thinking, but Flannery says it will help keep the conversation going. “Do your best to be that open sounding board so kids can come to you, especially if they see something that’s scary, untrue, or inappropriate online.”
Set Expectations
Once your child receives their own phone or device, it’s time to set clear expectations of how to use AI tools responsibly, Worrell says. “Explain how AI apps, like chatbots or recommendation systems, use their data, and teach them why it’s important to not share too much personal information online.” Reiterate that their full name, address, school, and other sensitive information should be kept offline and never shared with a chatbot.
It’s also a good idea to differentiate between productive versus passive screen time, says Barr. “Productive use of this technology would be for homework help and projects, while a passive use would be scrolling or consuming content for entertainment.” Consider setting time limits on passive screen time, she explains.
When it comes to homework, stress that AI should not “do” the homework for you. “Teachers always know when kids have used an AI tool to complete their homework, so it’s imperative to differentiate between plagiarism and using AI as part of the learning process,” says Barr.
Worrell agrees, noting that children should use AI to simplify complex homework subjects without becoming overly reliant. “The goal is to enhance learning, not replace it.” Flannery and Barr recommend Khan Academy, Prodigy, Osmo, and Brainly to encourage productive, safe learning through AI.
Consider Installing Privacy Controls
Just like you’d want to be mindful about keeping your personal information private, Worrell recommends talking to your kids about protecting their AI-powered devices, like phones, tablets, and smart speakers, to prevent unwanted data sharing. “Check privacy settings on every AI-enabled device your children use, disable location services, and ensure microphone and camera access is only allowed when necessary,” she says. Wherever possible, it’s also smart to enable two-factor authentication for an added layer of security.
If you wish to monitor your kids’ AI usage, Flannery recommends Aura Parental Controls, which allow you to block harmful content and filter apps and websites.
Address Misinformation
Worrell says misinformation is rampant in all corners of the web, so it’s crucial to address that AI is not the ultimate authority. Remind your kids that not everything AI pumps out is true, and though it can assist and/or enhance learning, it can also provide misinformation. “Encourage children to think critically about the information AI provides because not everything AI delivers is accurate or unbiased, and kids need to understand how to evaluate the content they see.”
It’s easy to take everything at face value, but Barr recommends regularly reminding kids to question online content and differentiate between reliable and unreliable sources. “Ultimately, we want to make our kids media literate by encouraging critical thinking and reminding them not to trust everything they read online.”
Keep the Conversation Going
The AI conversation should not be a one-and-done type of deal, Worrell says. “Regularly talk to your children about their online experiences and create an open environment where they feel comfortable sharing any concerns or issues they encounter in their digital life.”
At the end of the day, AI is here to stay, so instead of ignoring its relevancy or impact on life, Flannery suggests beginning a non-judgmental dialogue. “Kids are going to explore AI, and that’s normal and expected. Focus on keeping a pulse on their usage and putting those guardrails in place without stifling their growth.”
Andi Breitowich is a Chicago-based freelance writer and graduate from Emory University and Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. Her work has appeared in PS, Women’s Health, Cosmopolitan, and elsewhere.
