Hello Reader,

For today's Sips and Tips, we're taking a look at one of the fastest-growing technologies shaping our children's world: Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Although AI platforms aren't designed for young children, kids are increasingly encountering AI through search engines, apps, toys, smart devices, and the internet.

However, the goal isn't to just keep children away from AI. It’s to help them develop a healthy foundation for using it when it’s age-appropriate.

🍹 Summer Sips:
​Young children are naturally curious, but they need caring adults to help them understand that AI is a tool, not a person. And that it doesn't always provide safe, truthful, or appropriate information.

We need to mentor children in using AI wisely and responsibly just like we teach them to cross the street safely or wear a bike helmet.

Note: Children under age 8 should generally not use open-ended generative AI tools independently, and major platforms like ChatGPT require users to be at least 13 years old. At Defend Young Minds, we do not recommend children engaging with “friendly” chatbots on any kind of online platform.

✅ Summer Tips:
​Help your child understand these important AI risks:

• AI can confidently give wrong answers.
​Young children often assume technology is always correct. Explain that AI sometimes makes mistakes or invents information, so they should always ask a trusted adult if something seems confusing.

• AI can expose children to inappropriate or pornographic images.
​Some AI tools can generate or display disturbing, violent, or sexually explicit images—even when they weren't intentionally requested. Children should never explore AI image generators or chatbots without close adult supervision.

• AI doesn't know what's best for your child.
​Unlike a parent, teacher, or trusted adult, AI cannot understand a child's emotions, safety, or unique needs. Encourage children to come to you with questions instead of relying on AI for guidance.

• AI can collect personal information.
​Teach children never to share their name, school, address, passwords, photos, or family information with AI tools or chatbots.

• AI should never replace thinking or learning.
​Help children see AI as a tool that can assist learning—not something that should do their thinking or make decisions for them.

• AI isn't a friend.
​Some AI chatbots are designed to sound caring or human, but they do not have feelings or the ability to form real relationships. Young children need genuine conversations and deep connections with trusted people to grow up healthy and happy.

💬 Family Conversation Starter

Ask your child:

"If something you saw or heard from AI made you feel confused, scared, or uncomfortable, who would you tell?"

This simple conversation reminds children that they should always come to a trusted adult and helps build lifelong digital safety habits.

For more of our trusted tips on AI, read our article: AI Safety for Kids: 6 Best Practices Every Parent Should Know​

AI is here to stay. Let's help kids understand it, question it, and grow up to use it wisely.

Kindly,

Kristen

P.S. Have a specific question about AI or your child's technology use? Hosted by the National Center of Sexual Exploitation, ParentCenter.org gives trusted, expert-backed answers to help your family navigate today's digital world with confidence. Defend Young Minds is proud to be one of ParentCenter.org's top three expert contributors, providing guidance to parents just like you!

Let’s not leave girls out of the conversation about pornography! Read Good Pictures Bad Pictures Guide for Girls to prepare your daughter to reject objectification and the many other harms that come from sexualized media.