Understanding The Risks of AI and How We Can Protect our Child
Parenting has never been easy, but raising kids in the age of artificial intelligence (AI) brings a whole new set of challenges. When the internet is always at their fingertips, and with kids being so quick to figure out ways around parental restrictions, it can feel like you’re constantly fighting an uphill battle. This fight feels more daunting when we hear stories in the news about AI being misused in harmful ways, even in cases linked to self-harm and suicide.
For a deeper look at this growing concern, read our article on AI Psychosis.
Is it really that important to pay attention to how my child uses AI?
The short answer is yes.
Children and teens are especially vulnerable because they’re still growing. Their brains, sense of self, and ability to tell right from wrong are all developing. AI chatbots are designed to feel personal and emotionally engaging, which can blur the line between what’s real and what’s not. On top of that, children and teens are naturally more impulsive, quick to form intense attachments, and often caught up in comparing themselves to others. Put together, this makes it easy for them to lose track of when AI use is becoming “too much.”
Sometimes, turning to AI can also signal that a child is struggling in other parts of their life. They may lean on AI as a way to “fix” their problems, instead of learning how to problem-solve on their own. Or they may rely on AI like a constant companion, which can hold them back from developing the social and emotional skills needed to thrive. When AI use becomes excessive, kids can feel like they can’t stop, even if it’s clearly having negative effects on their well-being.
As parents, we’re the ones who can help them find balance. By gently guiding them, we can help them set healthy limits, offer them a safe space to feel connected and understood, and make sure they’re building much-needed real life relationships.
How can the excessive use of AI affect my child?
The impacts of relying too heavily on AI can show up in different areas of a child’s life:
Cognition (i.e., thinking and learning): Reduced critical thinking and problem-solving skills, poor decision-making, trouble focusing or paying attention
Social functioning (e.g., friendships and social skills): Struggles with navigating social situations, weaker empathy, and challenges in building meaningful relationships
Behaviour (e.g., everyday actions and moods): Withdrawing from others, increased irritability, and finding it harder to interact effectively with others
How can I help my child use AI safely?
Set clear boundaries and limits
Establish consistent rules around when and how long your child should use AI. This can help them understand that AI is a tool, not a replacement for real-life problem-solving or social interaction.
Engage with and guide their use
Be curious about how your child is using AI. Use it as an opportunity to talk about the difference between real and generated content and encourage them to think critically about what they see.
Encourage real-world connections
Give your child plenty of opportunities to spend time with friends, family, and peers, so they can build their social skills and emotional resilience.
It’s natural to feel a little overwhelmed by all the new technological changes. But remember, we are our children’s greatest protectors. Your guidance matters more than any technology. By staying curious, setting healthy limits, and keeping strong interpersonal connections, you equip your child with the confidence, safety awareness, and resilience needed to thrive in the digital world.
