Seven tips for talking to children and young people about generative AI

For most of us, generative AI (GenAI) has moved surprisingly quickly from novelty to everyday infrastructure. Many adults now use tools such as chatbots at work or in their free time, and many children are already getting to know them through homework help, entertainment or social sharing.

Unsupervised use of generative AI can expose children and teens to self-consciously presented misinformation, manipulative “keep chatting” dynamics, and inappropriate or emotionally risky content. The tone and conversational dynamics of many chatbots can encourage secrecy and over-trust, or mimic authority without any real understanding or duty of care. In a school context, GenAI can silently undermine learning, turning homework and writing into shortcuts rather than skill building.

I helped create new school resources on GenAI, including guides for parents. But the most effective safety measures still depend on adults setting boundaries, exercising critical thinking, and staying close…