AI: What you need to know

Getting help

Artificial intelligence (known as AI) has become a part of our daily lives, but it’s important to be wary of how and when children use it. 

AI is even used by platforms such as YouTube to recommend videos to watch, and it can help us to find information quickly or learn new skills. But, as with other areas of online use, it comes with risks to children too.

Generated images, video or voices

Some people might use AI to create images, video or voiceovers that look and sound realistic. 

People can upload these videos and images to social media or use them in adverts, making it difficult to know what’s real and what isn’t. There are some signs to look out for, but spotting AI generated content isn’t always easy.  

Tell your child to keep in mind that not everything on the internet is real, even if it looks like it could be. If a photo, video or voice doesn’t look true to life or has unrealistic features or movements, it might be AI.

Generating content that harms other people is never ok. If your child has experienced this or is worried about someone doing it, then be sure to report it to CEOP. If a sexual image or video has been created, this can be reported via Report Remove. These are sometimes referred to as ‘deepfakes’.

You should also speak to your child’s school if you believe a student is using AI to harm their peers.

Asking questions to AI

AI can be helpful for quick answers to questions, but they can make mistakes. Make your child aware that just because something is written down on the internet, it doesn’t mean it’s true.

If you or your child are looking to find information about an important topic, such as health, always use trustworthy and reliable websites like the NHS site, Health for Kids or ChildLine. If you or your child have a physical or mental health concern, always speak to a health professional such as a doctor, nurse or mental health practitioner. 

Most AI chatbots will give links to their sources in their answers, these tell you where the AI has taken the information from. AI summaries (used by platforms such as search engines) usually list their sources below or alongside their answer. Always be careful when clicking on links, as some websites are not trustworthy and can be unsafe. 

Be aware that some chatbots or AI summaries may not show age appropriate content for your child. Using parental controls on their devices and WiFi can help limit their access to AI content that isn’t age appropriate or promotes unhealthy behaviours. These filters are never 100% effective and it’s important that you’re able to talk to them about upsetting or inappropriate content if they come across it.

Learning with AI

AI can be seen as a tool to support learning, but it shouldn’t replace your child thinking for themselves or understanding their school work which is important for their development. Schools, colleges and universities also have tools that can spot AI writing.

Remember that AI might be good at teaching new concepts, but it makes mistakes surprisingly often. You can encourage and help your child to research around a problem with multiple sources, such as school workbooks and activity sheets, so they aren’t only reliant on AI or online answers to their questions.

If your child has any concerns about life online, make sure they know they can speak to you or another trusted adult such as a teacher. They can also contact ChildLine at any time on 0800 1111, or by email or online chat.