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.

🧠 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!