What You Need to Know About Kids Using AI Chatbots

AI chatbots have become a normal part of kids’ digital lives—showing up in homework tools, games, social platforms, and even toys. They can be incredibly helpful, but like any powerful technology, kids need guidance to use them safely and responsibly.  Here are some essentials to understand.

1. AI chatbots sound confident, but they’re not always correct

Chatbots can produce answers that look polished and authoritative, even when they’re wrong. Kids may assume “it sounds smart, so it must be true.”

Teach your kids to double‑check important information with trusted sources and come to you any time something doesn't seem right.

2. AI lacks feelings and moral values

Kids often talk to chatbots the way they talk to people. It’s important they know:

• AI doesn’t have emotions

• It doesn’t share your family's moral values

• It isn’t a friend or a therapist

This helps prevent emotional over‑reliance or confusion about what AI is.

3. Privacy matters

Many AI tools store conversations to improve their systems. Kids shouldn’t share:

• Their full name

• Address or school

• Photos of themselves

• Family details

• Passwords or private documents

A simple rule: If you wouldn’t tell it to a stranger, don’t type it into a chatbot.

4. AI can shape how kids write and think

Used well, AI can help kids brainstorm ideas, outline essays, or understand tough concepts. Used poorly, it can become a shortcut that replaces thinking.

Encourage your kids to use AI as a learning partner, not a homework machine.

5. The best protection is conversation

AI is evolving fast. The most effective safety tool is a parent who stays curious and connected.

Ask your kids:

• “What do you use AI for?”

• “What do you like about it?”

• “Has it ever said something weird or confusing?”

These conversations build digital wisdom that lasts longer than any app setting.

John Oliver provides an excellent analysis of the potential problems with AI Chatbots:  

    

Are your kids being targeted for sextortion?

Scammers are targeting kids for sextortion.  They convince kids that nude pictures of them will be distributed to family, friends, classmates and others unless money is paid.  

In this video, hear from the parents of 17-year-old Jordan DeMay who died from suicide after experiencing sextortion.  Read about the steps you can take to prevent this type of tragedy. 

The Power of "Yet"

The word 'yet' can be incredibly powerful. If your child says, "I can't do this," add the word 'yet' to the end of the sentence. It transforms a statement of defeat into one of growth.

For other ideas about promoting positive thinking, check out the article "Fostering School Success By Encouraging a Growth Mindset". 

Fostering Growth using the Mentoring Parenting Style

What is your normal parenting style?  Do you give your kids orders?  Do you do a lot of things for them that they are capable of doing themselves?  Do you often give in to avoid fighting?

Your parenting approach plays a significant role in your children's development.  Read "Fostering Growth using the Mentoring Parenting Style" to learn more.  

Sugared Cereal Is Not Healthy For Kids

Did you know that sugared cereals have more sugar per serving than frosted cakes or donuts? Yikes!

Dr. Michael Greger's article, "Are Fortified Children’s Breakfast Cereals Just Candy" states 

"Children who consume pre-sweetened breakfast cereals may derive more than 20 percent of their daily calories from added sugar. Breakfast cereals rank as the third-largest food source of added sugars in the diets of kids and adolescents, listed between candy and ice cream. On a per-serving basis, a cereal like Frosted Flakes has more added sugar than a frosted chocolate cake, a brownie, or a frosted donut."

Sugar consumption is linked to physical and mental health issues in kids.  Choosing a less sugary way to start the day is a step in the right direction! 

Warnings About the Troubled Teen Industry

Is your teen presenting extremely challenging behavior? If you feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to help your teen, getting professional help is wise.

You love your children and want the best for them. Taking parenting classes can certainly prepare you for handling typical teen challenges. However, sometimes parents and caregivers turn to residential treatment programs designed for troubled teens. This is a multi-billion dollar industry in the United States with very little regulation.  The lack of regulation has led to serious abuse and even death of teens.  

Unsilenced.org is exposing some of the serious problems within the troubled teen industry.  Watch this video for a brief overview of the issues.  

Protecting Kids From Social Media Harms

Social media can be a great way for kids to connect with friends, but it can also be a source of stress and anxiety. As parents there's some important information you need to know about social media and the mental health of your kids. 

In May 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General released a report on Social Media and Youth Mental Health that identified several problems with how kids are using social media. The report stated that excessive use of social media can lead to depression, anxiety, and even suicide among teens and young adults. 

Watch this video to understand some of the risks identified in the report plus learn tips on how to keep your kids safer online.