Are AI Chatbots Safe for Kids? (Bonus Episode for Families)

Can a chatbot become your best friend? Join us as we explore the intriguing world of AI chatbots and the deep emotional connections they can sometimes spark, especially among kids and families. In this episode of AI for Kids, we dive into the potential risks these digital companions bring to our lives, while highlighting the importance of nurturing genuine human relationships. Through thoughtful discussions, we share insights on how to harness the fun and utility of chatbots while ensuring they remain just tools, not replacements for friends and family who can offer real understanding and empathy.

As we navigate this exciting yet challenging landscape, you'll discover valuable tips for both kids and parents. For kids, we emphasize the importance of leaning on trusted adults during tough times and recognizing when it might be time to step away from screen-based friendships. Parents will gain practical strategies to stay connected with their children's tech use, set healthy guidelines, and encourage activities that foster real-life bonds. Together, we'll work to keep AI chatbots a fun and educational part of life, while safeguarding the irreplaceable support and care of human connections.

Resources:

UNICEF’s Safer Chatbots Guide: This resource provides a framework for creating safer chatbot experiences for young people. It includes six steps to ensure chatbots have safeguards, like alerting trusted contacts in case of distress. It’s a useful guide for understanding the risks and safety measures needed when kids interact with AI-driven chatbots. UNICEF Safer Chatbots Guide.

Common Sense Media’s AI for Parents Guide: This site offers family-friendly reviews and resources on digital well-being, including AI. It’s a great resource for parents looking to understand AI and other tech tools their children may use. Common Sense Parent Guides.

#AIforKids #KidsSafety #ChatbotAwareness #FamilyTechSafety #SafeTech #ParentingTips #AIandKids #DigitalWellness #OnlineSafety  #SewellSetzer #personalizedch

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:29

Welcome to the AI for Kids podcast, where playtime, learning and creating collide bit by bit. Ever wonder how your phone recognizes your face. How does a game learn to get harder as you get better? This is AI. This podcast is designed for kids like you and your human parents, making the complex world of AI easy to understand and, most importantly, fun. So are you ready to unlock the mysteries of artificial intelligence? Subscribe and join us on AI for Kids. Hello everyone, and welcome back to AI for Kids.

Speaker 1: 1:01

Today we're talking about a serious topic, one that's been on many people's minds recently and, of course, all over the news. Some of you may have heard about a story where a young person felt a strong connection with an AI chatbot, and it led to a very, very, very sad situation. It's a reminder of how, even though AI tools can be fun and useful, they're also powerful in ways we might not always understand and, honestly, because it's so new, we might not even think about. In this episode, we'll explore how kids and families can think about AI in a way that keeps you safe, especially when using chatbots that feel like friends. It's okay to be curious, but it's always important to know when to take a step back and how to keep real connections with the people who really care about us and not leave those connections behind. So let's start with a question have you ever talked to a virtual assistant like Siri or Alexa Alexa, or maybe tried a chatbot that answers your questions? Chatbots are kinds of AI that can chat with you and they're becoming super popular. They're great for helping us learn and can be a lot of fun, but they're also really really powerful tools, so we need to know how to use them safely. Ai chatbots, like the ones on websites or apps, are getting really good at talking just like a real person. They can sound friendly and supportive. Sometimes people, even kids, might start to think of them as friends.

Speaker 1: 2:25

But here's something I want you to remember Chatbots are not real people. Even if they seem to care or talk with a lot of emotions, they're just following a program. They don't have feelings and they don't understand us the way real friends do. Sometimes, if you're feeling lonely or having a hard time, we might talk to a chatbot about our feelings. That can feel good, right, it's like having someone there who listens. But there's a risk because chatbots can't understand like real people, they may not help us in the best way if we're sad or upset and they can't do what real friends or family can, which is notice if we really need help.

Speaker 1: 3:07

So I want to give kids and parents a few important tips. Here are some important things to remember for kids Always talk to your family or trusted adult If you're ever feeling sad or worried. Talking to a real person like your parents, teachers or friend is the best way to feel better. Real people can give you advice and help that a chatbot just can't. I also want you to know when to log off. If you find yourself talking to a chatbot for long periods of time or feeling like it's your best friend, it might be time to take a break. Just because it can chat with you doesn't mean it can be a real friend. And lastly, I want you to remember it's just a program. Chatbots don't have feelings. Even if they say they care or miss you, they're just programmed to respond in ways that feel friendly.

Speaker 1: 3:56

So parents who are listening we know keeping up with tech isn't always easy. I want to share some ways to help your kids stay safe as they explore these new tools. Check in regularly, ask your kids how they're using AI tools and chatbots. You can open a conversation that can help them feel safe and remind them that you're always there to talk anytime. It's also important with these tools, to set boundaries together, so I suggest creating family guidelines on tech use.

Speaker 1: 4:25

Talk with your kids about how much time they should spend on these apps and encourage other fun activities sports, reading and time with friends. We do know loneliness is an epidemic, so we want to make Also understand the apps your kid use. Get to know any app your child wants to use. Some apps have controls for parents where you can monitor it, while other apps may not be as safe for young kids and then encourage, of course, real-life connections. The best support for children is still the real people in their lives. Be there, listen and let them know that they always can talk to you about anything or talk to another trusted adult that has their best interest in mind.

Speaker 1: 5:06

In this world we currently live in, ai is part of our everyday life and it's going to keep being more so, and that's exciting, right, but like anything, we need to know how to use it safely. Chatbots and virtual friends can be fun, but they're not real friends. Remember, talking to family, friends or teachers is always the best way to get support and feel connected, especially when you're feeling sad or down. So, whether you're a kid or a parent, stay curious, stay safe and keep asking questions about how to use these new tools wisely.

Speaker 1: 5:37

Thanks, as always, for listening to this episode of AI for Kids. Be sure to subscribe for more episodes on how to learn about and use AI safely. Until next time, please take care and remember real life is full of real friends who care about you, and we want to make sure you explore those too. Bye-bye, thank you for joining us as we explore the fascinating world of artificial intelligence. Don't keep this adventure to yourself. Download it, share it with your friends and let everyone else in on the fun. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or on YouTube. See you next time on AI for Kids.