AI tools are becoming part of everyday life for kids, teens, and families — often before adults have time to catch up. This page is designed to help families build clear, calm guardrails so AI supports learning, creativity, and problem-solving without replacing healthy relationships, critical thinking, or personal boundaries.
You do not need to be a technology expert to guide your child well. You just need shared expectations, open conversations, and a few simple habits you can return to again and again.
AI systems can generate answers, images, conversations, and feedback instantly. While this can be helpful, it also creates new risks for children and teens, including:
Misinformation presented confidently
Oversharing personal or identifying information
Blurred boundaries between tools and relationships
Academic integrity concerns
Manipulation, secrecy, or inappropriate interactions
Families play a critical role in shaping how AI is used — not just whether it’s allowed.
Rather than banning tools outright or allowing unrestricted access, we recommend a tool-based approach.
AI is a tool.
It can help us think, learn, and create.
It should never replace people, judgment, or accountability.
From that starting point, families can build shared expectations.
You may choose to post, print, or revisit these together.
Personal information stays private
Full names, addresses, schools, phone numbers, schedules, photos, passwords, and location details should never be shared with AI tools.
AI use should not be secretive
Especially for younger kids, AI use should be open and visible. If something feels uncomfortable, kids should know they can talk about it without fear of punishment.
Important information gets checked
AI can make mistakes. We verify facts, especially for schoolwork, health, or decisions that matter.
AI supports learning — it doesn’t replace it
Using AI to understand, brainstorm, or revise is different from using it to cheat, impersonate, or avoid responsibility.
If it feels weird, we pause
Confusion, pressure, flattery, secrecy, or discomfort are signals to stop and ask an adult for help.
You don’t need a lecture. Try curiosity instead.
“Show me how you used AI today.”
“What did it help with? What didn’t it get quite right?”
“What information did you share?”
“How did it make you feel — frustrated, helped, confused, relieved?”
These questions build awareness without shame and keep communication open.
Some behaviors deserve closer support and follow-up:
Sudden secrecy around devices or accounts
Using AI as a “friend” instead of turning to people
Pressure to keep conversations private
Requests for photos or personal details
Threats, manipulation, or blackmail language
Strong emotional reliance on an AI interaction
If something feels off, trust your instincts and seek additional support when needed.
AI safety at home is not about fear.
It is not about perfection.
It is not about policing every click.
It is about teaching kids how to think, pause, check, and ask for help — skills that transfer far beyond technology.
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