- AI Parenting Guide
- Posts
- This week: Is AI assistants like ChatGPT and Gemini safe for kids
This week: Is AI assistants like ChatGPT and Gemini safe for kids

👋 Hey again — welcome back to AI Parenting Guide!
This week, I overheard my daughter chatting away while doing her homework.
I assumed it was a friend.
Nope.
It was an AI assistant that sounded like one. 😳
AI helpers are showing up everywhere — not just ChatGPT, but new tools from Google, Meta, and even lesser-known companies like DeepSeek (which is made in China and... let’s just say their privacy policy is more mystery than promise).
Let’s dig into what these AI tools really do — and what parents should know before our kids get too comfortable.
📬 In This Issue:
What AI assistants are — and how kids are already using them
Which tools to avoid (and why)
Real risks like privacy, shortcuts, and fake facts
Easy tips to set safe boundaries
This week’s “job AI is replacing” vs “job that’s safe”
🧠 What Are AI Assistants?
They’re smart chat tools that can answer questions, write stuff, explain things, and even joke around.
Some are built into search engines (like Gemini in Google), while others are standalone apps or websites.
They look friendly — but they don’t always act safely.
😬 The Risks You Should Know About
No age filters by default – many AI tools aren’t made with kids in mind
Privacy concerns – tools like DeepSeek or unverified apps may store what’s typed and don’t clearly state how data is used
Misinformation – they sometimes guess answers that sound smart but are flat-out wrong
Dependence – it’s tempting for kids to use them as a shortcut (especially for writing or homework)
✅ What You Can Do
Stick to well-known tools (Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, or ChatGPT with settings adjusted)
Use them together first – explore the answers, see what they say, and test their limits
Avoid AI tools with unclear ownership or based in countries without strong data laws
Set house rules like: “AI can help explain things, but not write your answers for you”
💬 Conversation Starters
“Would you tell an AI assistant something personal?”
“How do you know when an answer is wrong?”
“Why do you think some tools are more trusted than others?”
💼 How AI Is Changing Jobs
🟢 Safe Job: Occupational Therapist
This work is hands-on, human-focused, and based on relationships — AI can't replicate empathy or touch.
⚠️ At-Risk Job: Customer Service Rep (Basic)
AI is already answering questions, solving issues, and chatting with customers for banks, shops, and delivery services — 24/7, no breaks.
🔜 Coming Next Week
Top AI Apps for Teens — Reviewed by Parents
Not sure which AI tools your kids are using? We’ll test them out, break them down, and give you the real story — no tech-speak required.
📚 Resource of the Week: The Art of Screen Time by Anya Kamenetz
Struggling to find the right balance between screens and real-life moments? The Art of Screen Time offers evidence-based, practical strategies to help your family navigate tech use without the guilt. Unlike heavier reads on digital citizenship, Kamenetz keeps it light and relatable, answering the big question: "How much tech is okay?" Perfect for parents who want a flexible, research-backed approach to raising kids in a digital world.
👉 Visit Anya’s website for more..
P.S. Want more? Reply to this email with your biggest screen-time challenge—we might feature tips in a future issue!
📢 What We Recommend
Help Your Kids Learn AI the Fun Way
Want to spark your child’s curiosity about AI? The Generative AI for Kids course on Coursera is a fun, beginner-friendly introduction designed especially for young minds. Kids learn how tools like ChatGPT and DALL·E work—while getting creative with projects along the way.
Made for Parents & Young Learners
Whether you’re exploring AI as a family or want a safe way to introduce tech skills, this free course is a great starting point. It’s engaging, age-appropriate, and requires no prior coding knowledge.
💌 If you found this useful, forward it to one fellow parent or click the Share button below.
Let’s build a smarter generation together — one tip at a time.
Ed @ AI Parenting Guide
Reply