Artificial intelligence is becoming part of everyday childhood, from schoolwork and search engines to social media and chatbots. Experts say parents and technology companies both have an important role to play in making sure kids can benefit from AI without being exposed to unnecessary risks.
AI can be difficult for children to recognize because it is increasingly built into products they already use. A recent report examining AI and children’s mental health argues that companies, parents and users need to take the potential effects on young people seriously, particularly as AI becomes harder to avoid.
The concern isn’t that AI is inherently harmful. The American Psychological Association says AI can offer benefits while also creating challenges for adolescents, whose brains are still developing and who may have difficulty recognizing when technology is influencing their experiences.
APA Chief of Psychology Mitch Prinstein says, “AI is neither inherently good nor bad,” but adds that developers need to establish safeguards because some young people have already developed unhealthy relationships with chatbots.
The Dark Side of AI And Kids
One of the most serious concerns involves AI-generated sexual abuse material involving children. The Child Rescue Coalition warns that AI can create convincing fake images using publicly available photographs, potentially allowing predators or peers to use those images for sextortion.
AI can also make online grooming more sophisticated. According to the organization, algorithms can analyze information about children’s interests, behavior and emotional states, allowing predators to create more personalized approaches designed to establish trust.
Deepfakes and impersonation create another potential danger. A predator could use AI to imitate someone a child knows, creating a false sense of familiarity that may make manipulation harder for a young person to recognize.
What Parents Can Do to Protect Kids From AI
Parents don’t need to become AI experts, but they should know what tools their children are using. Brookings reports that 91% of U.S. children ages 13–17 use generative AI in their personal lives, while 72% have used AI companions, making conversations about AI increasingly important.
Start by asking kids to show you the AI tools they use and discussing what information they share with them. Parents can also encourage children to question AI-generated information, protect personal data and maintain relationships and activities that don’t involve technology.
Most importantly, make it easy for children to report something that feels strange or uncomfortable. As the Child Rescue Coalition advises, “Staying informed” and maintaining open communication can help families respond to risks as AI technology continues to evolve.
