Imagine this: Your teen is up late working on a school project. Instead of turning to a textbook or even Google, they ask ChatGPT to explain the topic. Within seconds, they get a well-structured response. But is it accurate? Is it biased? And most importantly, do they know how to tell the difference?
Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s here, and kids are already using it. “It’s about seven in 10 adolescents (13 to 18),” Amanda Lenhart, Head of Research at Common Sense Media told Lianne Castelino during an interview for Where Parents Talk, referring to a recent U.S. survey conducted by the organization.
While the findings showed 70% of teens having interacted with generative AI, often for schoolwork and entertainment, many parents feel unprepared to guide their children through this digital shift.
“Parents are struggling to keep up, especially if AI isn’t part of their work,” says Lenhart, who is also a qualitative and quantitative researcher with a particular focus in studying how technology affects families and children. “Many want to learn but don’t know where to start.”
So, what does this mean for your family? Understanding AI’s strengths, risks, and limitations is now a key part of parenting in the digital age. Here’s what you need to know—and how to have the conversations that will help your child use AI responsibly.
AI Is Here to Stay—And Most Kids Are On Board
The biggest takeaway for parents? Your kids are already using AI. Whether for school assignments, creative projects, or entertainment, AI tools are becoming a part of their daily routine. While many teens demonstrate some awareness of AI’s limitations, the study reveals that only about half of them verify AI-generated information. That means the other half may be accepting AI responses without question.
According to Lenhart, a mother of four herself, “We were hearing from parents and educators who were overwhelmed by AI advancements like ChatGPT. They wanted to understand what it is and how it impacts kids. Our research aimed to provide insights and guidance.”
The Importance of Accuracy and Critical Thinking
AI tools, including ChatGPT, are trained on vast amounts of data—some accurate, some biased, and some outright false. These tools can “hallucinate”—fabricating facts, misquoting sources, and generating entirely fictitious information, making it critical for parents to instil a sense of healthy skepticism in their kids and encourage fact-checking.
One way to do this is by asking children to use AI for topics they already know a lot about. Have them question AI’s responses and compare its answers to trusted sources. This hands-on approach helps them understand that while AI can be helpful, it’s not infallible.
How Schools Are Responding
Schools are still figuring out how to handle AI, and approaches vary widely. Some teachers completely ignore AI, some ban it outright, and others actively incorporate it into lessons. The study found that when teachers discuss AI in class, students develop a much stronger understanding of how to use it responsibly.
Parents can play a key role by engaging with their child’s school and asking about AI policies. Is AI allowed for homework? Are teachers educating students on its limitations? Understanding the school’s stance helps parents reinforce appropriate use at home.
Encouraging AI Literacy at Home
Many parents feel intimidated by AI and may even resist learning about it. However, embracing AI in small, practical ways can make a big difference.
Try asking an AI tool to create a packing list for a trip, plan meals for the week, or suggest activities for a rainy day. This helps parents see AI’s usefulness while also allowing them to discuss its drawbacks with their children.
Lenhart advises, “Try it firsthand—experiment with chatbots like ChatGPT. Understand its uses—AI can assist with schoolwork but also has creative and personal applications.”
The Risks of Avoiding the Conversation
Delaying discussions about AI can leave kids vulnerable to misinformation, biased content, and academic shortcuts that could hinder their skill development.
Without guidance, children may over-rely on AI, losing out on opportunities to build critical thinking and writing skills.
Moreover, AI tools collect user data, which raises privacy concerns that children might not fully grasp. Lenhart notes that “80% of parents say schools haven’t provided any guidance on AI, leaving them to figure it out on their own.”
Looking Ahead: Trust and AI
Common Sense Media’s next research phase will explore how young people evaluate trust in AI-generated content. As kids turn to AI for everything from homework help to health advice, it’s crucial that they develop the ability to discern reliable information from misleading content.
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