The Best Tools for Sensibly Introducing Kids to AI

Children and teens are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence tools for homework help and entertainment, as well as to seek out new information: In fact, a recent survey of more than 1,000 young people (and their parents) by Common Sense Media found that seven in 10 teenagers have already used generative AI tools.

The survey found that just over half of teens have used chatbots like ChatGPT or Google’s Gemini. Around 34% reported using image generators, like Dall-E, and 22% reported using AI to generate videos. The most common use was for schoolwork, but 42% of respondents said they used AI tools simply to stave off boredom.

The survey also revealed that most parents are out of the loop when it comes to understanding how their kids use the technology. Only about one in three parents whose kids reported using AI tools knew that their children had done so. Around 23% of parents incorrectly assumed their child hadn’t used the technology. And nearly half said they hadn’t spoken with their teen about AI.

“I expect that gap to close over time,” said Kate Doerksen, co-founder of Sage Social, a new startup focused on helping kids build a healthy relationship with technology. “One of the early [generative] AI use cases for kids was cheating on homework—that wasn’t something that kids were really talking about with their parents.…I think there are a lot more use cases now that are coming into the fray, and those conversations need to happen.”