Talking to Our Children About AI (Artificial Intelligence)
- David Krasky
- Mar 7
- 5 min read
by David Krasky, Psy.S. licensed school psychologist and author of Raising Future Adults
Me: "So how did you pass the class if you never went?"
Teenager: "Chat GPT."
Me: "But won't you need to know some of this stuff for later on?"
Teenager: "Probably."
This has become a common conversation that's been taking place in my office. Chances are they'll continue to increase as AI becomes more advanced and schools and parents are less able to set boundaries and understand how AI truly works.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is quickly becoming part of children’s everyday lives. From homework tools and voice assistants to chatbots and image generators, many children are interacting with AI long before they understand what it actually is.
For parents, the goal should not be to avoid AI altogether—because that is increasingly unrealistic—but rather to teach children how to understand, question, and responsibly use it. In many ways, talking to children about AI is similar to talking to them about the internet or social media: the conversation should be ongoing, developmentally appropriate, and focused on critical thinking rather than fear.
First, What Parents Need to Understand About AI
Artificial intelligence systems are tools that can generate information, images, and conversations by analyzing enormous amounts of data. However, AI does not “think,” feel, or understand things the way humans do. Children often interpret technology differently than adults. Research shows that younger children (and many adults) may struggle to distinguish between AI and real human interaction, which can affect how they understand relationships and communication. Because of this, parents play an important role in helping children develop “AI literacy”—the ability to understand what AI is, what it can do, and where its limitations are.
The Benefits of AI for Children
When used thoughtfully and with parental involvement, AI can offer several benefits.
1. Learning Support
AI tools can help explain difficult concepts, generate examples, and provide personalized learning experiences.
2. Creativity
Children can use AI for storytelling, art, brainstorming ideas, and exploring imagination.
3. Curiosity and Exploration
Kids often ask questions they might hesitate to ask adults. AI can provide quick explanations that encourage curiosity.
However, these benefits only occur when AI is used as a tool—not a replacement for thinking, learning, or human relationships.
The Real Risks of AI for Children
Parents should also understand the potential dangers.
1. Children May Trust AI Too Much
AI can sound confident even when it is incorrect. Children may assume the information is always accurate.
2. Emotional Dependence on Chatbots
Some children develop attachments to AI chatbots or companions, which can blur the line between technology and real relationships.
3. Misinformation and Deepfakes
AI can create convincing fake images, videos, or information that children may struggle to identify as false.
4. Privacy Risks
Many AI systems collect large amounts of data, including conversations and personal information.
5. Reduced Problem-Solving Skills
Overreliance on AI can discourage children from struggling through challenges—an important part of learning and cognitive development.
6. Exposure to Inappropriate Content
Some AI systems occasionally generate unsafe or inappropriate responses despite safety filters.
How to Talk About AI With Children (By Age)
Ages 4–6: “AI Is a Tool, Not a Person”
Young children often believe technology is alive or thinking.
What to say:
“AI is a computer tool that can answer questions and make pictures, but it doesn’t think or feel like people do.”
Important lessons
AI is not a friend
AI sometimes makes mistakes
Always ask a parent if something seems confusing
What parents should do
Use AI together with your child
Avoid AI companion toys for very young children when possible
Encourage real-world play and conversation
Experts recommend extra caution with AI companion toys for young children because they can create artificial emotional bonds. (Common Sense Media)
Ages 7–10: Teaching Critical Thinking
At this stage, children are curious and capable of understanding basic technology concepts.
What to say:
“AI finds patterns in lots of information and gives answers, but it doesn’t always know if those answers are correct.”
Teach children to ask:
How does the AI know this?
Could this be wrong?
Should I check another source?
Family rules to introduce
AI can help with homework but should not do the work
Always verify important information
Never share personal information with AI tools
Ages 11–13: Digital Responsibility
Preteens begin using AI more independently.
What to say:
“AI can be helpful, but it can also create fake pictures, fake news, or misleading information. That’s why smart users double-check things.”
Topics to discuss
Deepfakes and misinformation
Online privacy
AI cheating in school
Healthy screen habits
Children in this age group may also be tempted to use AI to complete assignments rather than learning the material themselves.
Ages 14–18: Ethics, Bias, and Real-World Impact
Teenagers can understand the broader implications of AI.
Conversation starters
“AI reflects the data it was trained on, which means it can sometimes show bias or stereotypes.”
Discuss:
AI bias and fairness
Privacy and surveillance
Job changes caused by automation
AI-generated misinformation
Ethical use in school and work
Interestingly, research shows some teens are already using AI for emotional advice or mental health support, highlighting the need for guidance about appropriate sources of help. Teens should understand that AI cannot replace professional mental health care or trusted adults.
Practical Family Rules for AI Use
Many parents find it helpful to create simple “AI guidelines.”
Examples include:
AI is a helper, not a replacement for thinking.
Always verify important information.
Never share personal details.
Don’t rely on AI for emotional support.
Use AI for creativity and learning—not shortcuts.
Questions Parents Can Ask Their Kids
Instead of policing technology, try staying curious.
Ask:
“What do you use AI for?”
“Did anything it said seem strange or wrong?”
“How did you check if that answer was accurate?”
“What do you think AI can’t do well?”
These conversations help children develop critical thinking and digital judgment.
Helpful Resources for Parents
Parent Education
Common Sense Media
https://www.commonsensemedia.orgReviews technology and offers AI guidance for families.
Child Mental Health
American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
https://www.aacap.orgInformation about AI use and youth mental health.
AI Literacy
MIT Responsible AI for Social Empowerment (RAISE)
Stanford Human-Centered AI
Digital Safety
Family Online Safety Institute
The Most Important Message for Parents
AI is not going away. Children growing up today will likely interact with artificial intelligence in school, careers, and everyday life.
The goal is not to shield children from AI—but to teach them:
how to question technology
how to use it responsibly
and how to prioritize human relationships over digital ones
Children do not need perfect technology habits. What they need most are parents who are willing to talk about technology openly and often. Because the most powerful tool in a child’s life will never be artificial intelligence—it will always be human guidance and connection.
David Krasky, Psy.S. is a licensed school psychologist and author of Raising Future Adults.
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