Generative AI: guide for parents and carers

Generative AI (gen AI) is a branch of artificial intelligence that can create content, such as text, images, and even music, based on prompts. Prompts are written and entered in a similar way to using a search engine like Google. Some gen AI, like ChatGPT, have appeared in the news because learners have reportedly used it to write their essays. Other forms of gen AI, like My AI on Snapchat, are designed to be more like an AI friend that a user might message to pick up some quick facts about a topic.

The rapid growth of AI technology means it is being integrated into web browsers and linked to voice-activated search tools. This means that a user often does not have to visit a specific website or app to access a gen AI tool. They are now often integrated into many of the popular services used daily by people all over the world. For example:

• Google searches now put ‘Gemini’ (Google’s AI tool) responses at the top of the list ahead of any sponsored or verified material
• the Microsoft Edge browser has Microsoft Copilot attached
• AI tools can be linked to virtual assistants like Siri, Google Assistant or Alexa meaning that access to AI technology can be started using simple voice commands

Official age rating

Gen AI tools are generally accessible to a wide age range, with no stringent age restrictions. Many Gen AI tools are now integrated into web browsers and respond automatically or are accessible on mobile devices with limited age restriction in place by default.

ChatGPT and other OpenAI platforms require users to create an account to verify that they are over 13 before being allowed access. However, they do not appear to have any rigorous age verification methods.

Meanwhile, platforms that have integrated these tools into their platform may have their own age guidelines. For example, My AI is integrated into Snapchat, which has a minimum age requirement of 13.