Hello Reader,

I love listening to parents! Our Defend Young Minds Parent Council recently met to talk about AI. Their takeaways and concerns were too important not to share with all of you.

Here are five urgent warnings about AI every parent should take seriously:

1. Block the bad stuff. Parents want an AI tool that keeps out age-inappropriate content from browsers. We know of one option (AngelQ.io, an AI browser designed for kids) but we’re holding back on an endorsement for now. Why? Because it features “companion” avatars. They may look cute, but “friend-like” AI can foster unhealthy emotional dependence and even lead to AI psychosis and worse. If you do try it, we highly advise turning off the “companion” avatar options. Which brings us to our next warning…
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2. Tool, not companion. Teach kids that AI is a tool for tasks—not a buddy to confide in. Help your children understand that trust needs to be earned over time. AI’s are not people, even though they are programmed to sound that way. They are programs developed by companies who are in the business of making money. Keeping kids safe is not their highest priority. Some kids have already been hurt when their AI “friends” told them to do something dangerous.
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3. Human needs are human. Kids require real connection—safe touch, play, comfort, mentorship. AI does not embody wisdom, generosity, or ethics as caring adults do. People who try to meet their human needs with technology often end up feeling lonely and discouraged.
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4. Build awareness. Help kids understand AI’s risks (misinformation or “hallucinating”, deepfakes, persuasive chatbots) and practice healthy skepticism. See our articles below for more guidance.
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5. Keep talking. Ongoing conversations always beat one-time lectures. Start small, revisit often, and set your family’s norms around using AI. Find some phrases to repeat, like “Technology is a tool, not a true friend.” By doing this, you’re creating a disposition in your kids to see tech as a tool that needs to be used wisely.

Want to go deeper? Check out these relevant reads to keep you current:

• ​Parent Alert: Kids Can Make AI Porn—4 Big Dangers You Need to Know​
• ​Top 5 Ways AI Impacts Cognitive and Emotional Intelligence in Kids​
• ​AI Safety for Kids: 6 Best Practices Every Parent Should Know​

I use AI as a tool. It’s helpful! But. It’s new and experimental and our kids are not guinea pigs. We need to be very intentional as we teach and model healthy ways to interact with AI.

I hope to continue helping you raise empowered, resilient, screen-smart kids in the age of AI.

Warmly,

Kristen

P.S. What I've been up to...

Last week I was interviewed by Jennifer Friesen, Training Director for Them Before Us, where we discussed how pornography is damaging to kids.

I'm always looking for opportunities to spread the important message of keeping our kids safe from pornography and other digital dangers. Hit Reply if there is a podcast you think we should connect with!

Also, my new Good Pictures Bad Pictures Guide for Girls is coming along. I can't wait to share this book with all of you!

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Help your kids learn to reject porn! Our Good Pictures Bad Pictures books can give you the words, stories, and confidence to begin.