Generative AI: guide for parents and carers

Monitor AI usage

To ensure a safe and productive experience with gen AI, parents and carers should monitor their children’s use of these tools. Establish rules around when and how AI tools can be used. For instance, you might limit AI use to specific tasks, such as homework, and restrict access during social media or entertainment time.

It is important to engage in conversations with your child about their AI use. Ask them to show you what they have created or learned and discuss any concerns or questions that arise. This can help you to stay informed about their activities and guide them in using AI responsibly. Additionally, you could spend time using AI with your child to generate content together.

Educate on risks

Help your child understand the potential risks associated with gen AI and how to navigate them safely. Make sure your child understands that AI-generated content is not always accurate and should be verified before use. Encourage them to cross-check information and to think critically about the content they generate or encounter.

It is also important to talk about protecting personal information and being cautious when sharing details with AI tools. Explain how data can be collected and used, and why it’s essential to keep account information secure.

Reporting and blocking

Knowing how to report and block inappropriate content or interactions is key to maintaining a safe environment. Familiarise yourself and your child with the reporting mechanisms available within AI tools. Encourage them to report any content that makes them uncomfortable, to either you, another trusted adult or to the platform itself.

Though AI tools have their own safeguards, you may also utilise parental controls to block access to AI tools that might not be appropriate for your child’s age or maturity level.

Encourage responsible use

Promote healthy habits and responsible AI use by guiding your child on how to interact with these tools effectively. Encourage your child to use AI as a supplement to their learning, not a replacement. For example, they can use AI to generate ideas but should still engage in the process of researching, analysing and creating original content.

You can also teach your child to interact with AI respectfully and to avoid prompts that might lead to generating inappropriate or harmful content. Emphasise that AI is a tool to be used thoughtfully, not a source of entertainment that might lead to negative outcomes.

Implement parental controls

Where possible, utilise the parental control features available within AI tools or associated platforms. Activate filters or safe modes that limit the types of content the AI can generate. This can help prevent exposure to inappropriate material and ensure that the AI’s outputs align with your child’s age and maturity level.

Account deletion and deactivation

Knowing how to manage or delete accounts associated with gen AI tools is important for maintaining control over your child’s digital footprint. Each platform will have their own methods for deleting or deactivating an account. Some guidance is listed below but for other platforms a good start is to search for 'delete or deactivate my account' on the platform you wish to delete your account on.

ChatGPT

Deleting or deactivating an account involves navigating through OpenAI’s account management settings, where you can request data deletion or deactivate the account entirely.

Microsoft Copilot

This is typically tied to a Microsoft account. Deactivation involves removing the associated subscription or adjusting the settings within your Microsoft account dashboard.

Google Gemini

This is managed through Google account settings, where you can delete the AI-related data or deactivate the use of AI features.

My AI (Snapchat)

My AI can be disabled within Snapchat by adjusting chat settings or removing it as a contact. Complete account deletion would involve managing the Snapchat account as a whole.

DALL-E and Microsoft Copilot (Image)

These tools are often integrated into broader platforms (like OpenAI or Microsoft). Deleting your account or data involves accessing the account settings within these platforms and following the provided steps for data management.

AI literacy help

AI is a technology growing and developing at such an incredible rate that many people may lack personal knowledge of it, making it harder for them to educate children on how to use it safely. Hwb hosts an introduction to AI for parents and carers about using AI and activities that you can do with your children.

For more help with ChatGPT have a look at our focused guide on Hwb.

We also host a collection of AI guides and resources.

Additional tips

Have open conversations with your child about how they use AI tools. Emphasise the importance of using AI responsibly and ethically, particularly when it comes to academic work. Encourage them to view AI as a tool that aids their creativity and learning, rather than as a shortcut to completing tasks.

You should also ensure your child understands the strengths and limitations of AI, particularly that it is a tool to assist them rather than a replacement for their own abilities. Discuss the ethical implications of using AI, such as the importance of not using AI-generated content to mislead others or to take credit for work that isn’t their own.

You should strive to stay informed about the latest developments in AI technology and its potential impacts on children. This includes understanding new features, potential risks and best practices for safe usage. You may also try engaging with other parents and carers, or educators, to help identify potential issues early and provide collective solutions about safe AI usage for children.

This guide was developed in partnership with Praesidio Safeguarding.