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Talking with Your Kids About AI

The quick take

Short on time? Here’s the whole article in four lines.

  • Your kids are likely already using AI, at school, in apps, or with friends.
  • Curiosity beats fear. Explore it together and talk about what it’s good and bad at.
  • Check the age rules. Many AI chat apps require users to be at least 13, and some require 18.
  • Teach three habits: don’t share private information, double-check what it says, and come to you if something feels off.

Age rules for popular AI assistants

AppMinimum ageParent tools
ChatGPT13, with a parent’s permission under 18Parent and teen accounts can be linked, with options like quiet hours
Gemini13 (younger with a supervised Google account in some countries)Through Google Family Link
Claude18None, since it’s for adults

These change often, and they vary by country. Check each app’s current rules.

What to talk about, by age

AgeFocus
Under 10AI is a computer program, not a person or friend. Use it together, never alone.
10 to 13AI can be wrong. Some images and videos online are fake. Never share your name, school, or photos.
TeensUsing AI honestly for schoolwork. Deepfakes and why sharing them hurts people. AI isn’t a replacement for real friends or a trusted adult.

Conversation starters

  • “Want to try asking AI a question together? Let’s see if it gets it right.”
  • “How do you think AI knows things? Where might it be wrong?”
  • “What does your school say about using AI for homework?”
  • “Have you ever seen a video online that turned out to be fake?”
  • “If an app or a ‘person’ online ever asks you for photos or secrets, what would you do?”

Three habits to teach

  1. Keep private things private. No full names, addresses, school names, or photos.
  2. Check it. AI can sound sure and still be wrong. Look it up or ask an adult.
  3. Talk to a person. AI isn’t a therapist or a best friend. If something feels scary or confusing, come to you or another trusted adult.

Schoolwork and honesty

Most schools now have AI rules, and they vary a lot. Help your kids learn the difference between using AI to understand (“explain this in a simpler way”) and using AI to do the work (“write my essay”). When in doubt, ask the teacher.

What this looks like in real life

When Nadia’s 12-year-old asked to use a chatbot for a science project, she said, “Let’s try it together.” They asked it about volcanoes, then checked its answers against a library book. It got one fact wrong.

Her son was delighted to catch the mistake. Now “Let’s check it” is a family habit, and he tells her when he’s using AI for homework.

Where to go next

Sources

Age rules checked October 19, 2026.

Prosprr U · Judgment and Ethics · Written by Claude, reviewed by Tamara Linse · October 19, 2026