AI can be used safely by children with clear rules, the right tools and some supervision. The main risks are inaccurate information, privacy, unsuitable content and over-reliance. Each one has a simple, practical safeguard.
The real risks
| Risk | What it looks like | Safeguard |
|---|---|---|
| Wrong information | A confident answer that is simply false | Teach children to check important facts elsewhere |
| Privacy | Sharing names, school, photos or addresses | A clear "never share" list |
| Unsuitable content | Responses not designed for children | Age-appropriate tools and supervision |
| Over-reliance | AI writing homework or making decisions | Rules about what AI may and may not do |
| Emotional attachment | Treating a chatbot like a friend | Honest talk: it is software, not a person |
Check age requirements
Many general AI chatbots set minimum ages in their terms, often 13, with parental permission required for younger teenagers. Check the terms of any tool your child wants to use, and choose child-appropriate options where they exist.
A family checklist
- Never share personal information: full name, school, address, phone number or photos
- Use AI in shared spaces for younger children, not alone behind a closed door
- Check important facts in a second source
- AI explains; you do the work for homework
- Tell a parent if anything feels strange or upsetting
- Talk about it: ask your child what they used AI for this week
Talk about how it works
Children make safer choices when they understand that AI predicts likely answers from patterns in data. Once a child has seen an AI make a silly mistake, they stop treating it as an authority, which is exactly the habit you want.
Model good habits
Children copy what they see. If adults check AI answers, credit AI help honestly and avoid sharing private information, children are far more likely to do the same.
Learning safely
Our Artificial Intelligence for Kids course covers safe and ethical AI use as a core part of the course, not an afterthought. Younger children can explore the basics in the free AI Explorers workshop. See also digital safety for kids.
Our technology courses for kids: Fun with Coding (ages 10–16), Learn Python (ages 12–18) and Artificial Intelligence for Kids (ages 12–16). For younger children, try the free AI Explorers workshop or our free at-home coding activities.
Frequently asked questions
Is ChatGPT or other chatbots safe for children?
Many general chatbots set minimum ages in their terms, often 13. With age-appropriate tools, supervision and clear rules, AI can be used safely.
What should children never share with AI?
Personal information: full name, school, address, phone number, passwords and personal photos.
Can AI give children wrong information?
Yes. AI can produce confident answers that are false, so children should check important facts in another source.
Should I ban AI at home?
Bans rarely work long term. Clear rules, supervision and teaching children how AI works are usually more effective.
More coding & AI guides for parents
- How kids should use AI for homework, without cheating
- Python for kids: what to learn first, and in what order
- Why we start beginners on Small Basic before Python
- Scratch vs Python for kids: which should your child learn?
- 15 coding project ideas for kids, from beginner to intermediate
- How coding helps kids at school
- All coding & AI guides for parents →
Written by the Learning Bubble teaching team. If something here does not match your situation, ask us. We would rather give you a straight answer than have you guess.