What are the effects of AI on kids? Plus, 7 ways to keep them safe
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, CDCES, MBA
Clinical psychologist, Dr. Chris Mosunic explains the benefits and concerns of AI on kids and their mental health. Plus, 7 ways to teach your kids to safely engage with AI.
Whether we like it or not, artificial intelligence (AI) is everywhere. From the living room to the board room, AI is becoming more and more a part of our daily lives — and our kids are no different.
Embedded in their favorite learning apps and interactive toys, and voice assistants like Alexa and Siri, so many kids are interacting with AI without even knowing it. And while it’s clear that AI can offer some effective and even exciting new ways for our children to learn and play, many parents are feeling a nagging worry: Is it actually safe?
Let’s dive into the emerging, and complicated, territory of the effects of AI on our kids, and how we can protect them from potential harm.
What is AI for kids?
AI can sound pretty complicated, but in simple terms, it’s technology that can learn, make decisions, and solve problems. For kids, AI often shows up in places like in their favorite games, smart toys, or school apps.
We know that AI is a powerful tool that can support education and development, but it can also bring certain risks that we need to be aware of. From privacy concerns to the potential for over-reliance on technology, there are many valid reasons to pause and consider how AI might impact our children’s mental, physical, and emotional well-being. At the same time, completely avoiding AI may not be practical or even possible, especially as it becomes more integrated into everyday life.
So, the goal isn’t to shield kids from AI but to guide them in using it responsibly. By understanding the effects AI can have and teaching kids how to interact with it safely, we can help them take advantage of its benefits while minimizing the risks. And we may improve our own AI-usage along the way.
5 examples of how kids are using AI in and out of the classroom
You may be surprised to learn that AI is already woven into many aspects of your kid’s life. With ever-expanding learning apps and toys that can talk back to them, here are five ways that children are interacting with AI on a daily basis.
1. Educational apps: Many learning apps use AI to personalize the experience for each child. For example, apps like Duolingo adapt lessons based on how well a child is doing. If a child struggles with a certain topic, the app might offer extra practice, while moving faster through things they’ve already mastered.
2. Smart toys: AI-powered toys like Cozmo the robot or Hello Barbie respond to a child’s voice, remember their preferences, and can even have simple conversations. These toys make playtime more interactive and engaging, but it’s easy for kids to get attached to them, almost like they’re interacting with a real friend.
3. Virtual assistants: Kids often use voice-activated devices like Alexa or Google Assistant to ask questions, play music, or even get help with homework. These virtual assistants can give quick answers or control other smart devices around the house, making them very appealing to kids.
4. Adaptive learning programs in schools: Many schools are using AI to help students learn at their own pace. For example, programs like DreamBox analyze a child’s progress and adjust lessons to meet their individual needs. This allows kids to either speed up or slow down, depending on how well they understand the material.
5. AI-powered games: In video games, AI helps create smarter enemies, more realistic worlds, and even adaptive gameplay that adjusts based on how the child plays. Games like Minecraft and Roblox use AI to offer kids endless ways to be creative and solve problems.
What are the possible benefits of AI for kids?
It’s undeniable that AI can open up a lot of exciting opportunities for kids, both in the classroom and at home. When used thoughtfully, AI can help kids learn in ways that feel personalized and even fun. It can also encourage creativity, teach important skills, and make learning more accessible to children with special needs.
According to Dr. Chris Mosunic, a licensed clinical psychologist and Chief Clinical Officer at Calm, the potential for exploration of the unknown is one possible benefit for kids. “Children have largely replaced their natural surroundings with screens and are paying the price in so many ways,” he explains. “But a lack of natural exploration is one that we know has very long term negative consequences.”
Because taking low risks in a safe environment is how children learn, this could prove to be a way AI helps our kids. “If AI can somehow spark greater learning from risk taking in a safe way, children and parents will both benefit,” Dr. Mosunic says.
Here are a few more ways AI could benefit kids:
Personalized learning: AI tools can adapt lessons to fit a child’s specific needs, helping them learn at their own speed. This kind of tailored experience can be especially helpful for kids who might struggle with traditional methods of learning.
Skill development: Many AI-powered apps and toys are designed to teach kids important skills like coding, problem-solving, and even emotional intelligence through interactive play.
Accessible learning: AI can help break down barriers to education. Kids with disabilities are able to use AI-powered tools that assist with reading, writing, or even communicating.
Building creativity: AI tools like DALL-E can inspire kids to open their imagination by generating artwork or ideas based on simple prompts.
Is AI safe for kids? 6 warnings and safety concerns for kids & AI
As with anything new, it’s important to understand AI's potential benefits and challenges. While it's clear that AI can support some aspects of our kids' learning and development, there are concerns around privacy, safety, and the long-term impact on our kids’ mental, emotional, and social development too.
Dr. Mosunic says the first step is to understand how kids are using AI — and to proactively develop controls to protect them.
While this may sound alarming, it doesn't mean that you should avoid AI completely. Still, it's critical to monitor your child’s use of any AI tools and stay aware of—and involved in—industry developments as they may relate to your kids. Here are six safety concerns to keep in mind.
1. Privacy risks
Many AI tools collect data on users, which can be worrying when it comes to our children. Apps, smart toys, and virtual assistants often track what kids are saying or doing, which raises concerns about how that data is stored and used.
2. Over-reliance on technology
With AI becoming more integrated into daily life, there’s a chance that kids might start to rely too much on technology for answers instead of thinking critically or engaging in real-world interactions. This may impact the development of their problem-solving and other critical-thinking skills over the long term.
3. Exposure to inappropriate content
Although many AI-based platforms are designed to be child-friendly, sometimes inappropriate content can slip through. Without proper monitoring, your kid may be watching or interacting with material that could have a variety of impacts on them.
4. Impact on emotional development
Interacting with AI, especially virtual assistants or smart toys, might reduce the time kids spend building real-life social skills. There’s also a concern that some AI-based toys or programs might not teach children proper emotional responses, which could affect how they understand emotions.
5. Screen time and health concerns
Just like with phones and tablets, excessive screen time from AI-powered tools can lead to issues like eye strain, disrupted sleep, and less physical activity. These effects could lead to mental and physical health challenges if not monitored.
6. Bias in AI systems
Thanks to the vast and often un-regulated world wide web, AI will most likely reflect biases in the data it’s trained on. This may end up promoting stereotypes and misinformation to your kids if they don’t have the proper tools to think critically about the AI-generated responses and understand that the information they’re getting isn’t always neutral (or accurate).
7 ways to teach kids to safely engage with AI
Unlike large tech platforms that you’re probably used to your kids using like Google or Meta, there are hardly any parental controls in AI.
“There are really only system level controls built by engineers focused on improving their AI in a highly competitive market,” Dr. Mosunic explains. “It’s similar to [the] search [feature] back in the 90’s. So parents need to know that they are largely on their own right now for supervising the use of AI.”
But don’t throw away your kid’s tablet or smart toy just yet. While these concerns and lack of regulation can seem scary and overwhelming, there are steps you can take to help them navigate this new AI-centric world safely and responsibly.
It’s important, and possible, for parents, caregivers, and teachers to guide the way kids are using and thinking about this technology. Setting boundaries, having open conversations, and fostering critical thinking are some of the skills that can help your kids make the most of AI while staying safe.
1. Set clear limits on their smart tech usage
It’s important to set clear boundaries on how and when your child can use AI-powered devices or apps. Just like with any form of technology, too much time spent with AI can lead to unhealthy habits. You might want to set limits on how long they can use AI-based educational apps or toys, and encourage them to take breaks for non-tech activities like reading, playing outside, or doing creative projects that don’t involve screens. Here are 12 self-care activities to try with your kid on tech down-times.
Top tip: Create a daily or weekly schedule that includes both AI-based learning and non-digital activities to maintain a healthy balance and give your child clarity on what they can and cannot do.
💙 If you struggle with setting—or keeping—boundaries with your kids, let Jeff Warren help you find your Strength on the Inside to hold the line.
2. Monitor app content and privacy settings
Many AI-powered apps are designed to be engaging, and some even collect data from their users, so it’s important to keep an eye on what apps, games, or devices your child is using. Make sure to check the privacy settings on any AI tools your child interacts with and regularly review the content or information these apps provide to ensure it’s appropriate for your child’s age.
Top tip: Use parental controls on any apps your kid is using to block certain content or limit how much data can be shared. This will give you peace of mind, knowing your child’s data is protected and their online experiences are safe.
3. Teach them about data privacy
Kids may not understand how important their privacy is, especially when it comes to using AI. Explain to your children, in simple terms, how AI apps and devices can collect data, and why it’s important not to share personal information like their full name, address, or school with AI systems. Help them understand that while AI tools are fun and useful, they need to be cautious about what they share online.
Top tip: Show your kids how to check the privacy settings on the apps or devices they use, so they can start to take ownership of their online safety as they get older.
4. Encourage critical thinking skills
AI is great for answering questions and solving problems, but it’s important for kids to understand that not all answers provided by AI are correct or unbiased. Encourage your child to think critically about the information they receive from AI. By teaching kids to question AI responses and do their own research, you can help them develop the skills to navigate technology thoughtfully, rather than just accepting whatever they’re told.
Top tip: Next time you kid asks a virtual assistant a question, have them reflect on the answer they got: Was it accurate — how do you know for sure? Did it seem fair or balanced — what other information or perspectives could you consider?
💙 Learn how asking questions can build Deeper Communication with your kids—not just when it comes to AI—in this session with Jay Shetty.
5. Stay involved in their AI interactions
Be an active participant in your child’s AI experiences. This might mean sitting down with them as they use AI-powered apps, playing together with smart toys, or talking about what they’ve learned from an AI tool. By staying involved, you can better understand how your child interacts with AI, guide them if any issues come up, and answer questions about how AI works.
Top tip: If you notice your kid is spending a lot of time using a specific app, you can help them balance it with offline activities. Make sure to explain to them why finding this balance is important.
💙 Explore how Conscious Parenting can help you help your kids in this masterclass with Dr. Shefali Tsabary.
6. Talk about the (un) emotional side of AI
AI-powered toys or virtual assistants can seem almost human to children, especially when they’re designed to show “emotions” or respond in friendly ways. It’s important to have conversations with your kids about how AI works and help them understand that while these devices or apps may seem like friends, they aren’t real people. This will help your child develop a healthy relationship with technology and not rely on AI for emotional support or companionship.
Top tip: Talk through some of the feelings that your child is familiar with—like sadness, happiness, and anger—and how AI doesn't have these feelings. Explain to them that because it doesn’t have feelings, it can’t truly understand their emotions or have a relationship like they have with you or their friends.
💙 The Feelings Wheel is a great visual to help you talk to your kids about all the different human emotions we experience.
7. Encourage a variety of learning and play
While AI can provide personalized learning and entertainment, it’s important that kids also experience a variety of activities that don’t involve technology. Real-life interactions and hands-on experiences are just as important as what they learn through AI. This balance helps kids build social skills, emotional intelligence, and creativity that AI alone can’t offer.
Top tip: Talk with your kids about their favorite “offline activities”—like their hobbies, sports teams, or spending time with family and friends—and what kind of benefits these things have that AI doesn’t. Remind them of these benefits when you encourage finding more balance in their schedule.
💙 If you’re feeling overwhelmed navigating the new technology, Jeff Warren reminds you that you’re Not Alone in this meditation from his Ease Parenting Stress series.
AI and kids FAQs
How is AI affecting children?
AI is impacting kids in many ways, both positive and negative. On the bright side, it can make learning more engaging and personalized, especially through apps that adjust to a child’s needs. If your child struggles with math, an AI-powered app can give extra practice in a fun way without making them feel discouraged. AI also helps kids develop problem-solving skills and can teach them new subjects like coding.
On the other hand, there are concerns about privacy, emotional development, and over-reliance on technology. Kids might form attachments to AI-powered toys or devices, which don’t offer the same emotional depth as human relationships. There’s also a risk that kids will spend too much time with AI devices, which could reduce opportunities for face-to-face interactions.
Balancing the use of AI with real-world activities and social time is key to making sure AI has an overall positive influence on our kids.
What are the pros and cons of AI for kids?
Supporting your child to use AI in a balanced way can help minimize the risks while they enjoy the benefits.
Pros of AI for kids
Personalized learning: Making education more effective and enjoyable.
Improving accessibility: Using speech-to-text or adaptive learning programs.
Encouraging creativity: Through apps that allow design, innovation, and experimenting with new ideas.
Cons of AI for kids
Privacy concerns: Many children’s AI apps collect data on users.
Over-reliance: Kids might turn to AI for answers or entertainment too often, which can impact their ability to think critically or engage with the world around them.
Inappropriate material: Kids may see adult content if not carefully monitored.
Lack of emotional skills: Apps that interact with children may not help them develop real-world social skills.
At what age is it appropriate to introduce AI to kids?
There’s no strict rule for when kids should start using AI, but generally, around ages 4 to 6 is a safe range to introduce AI-powered educational toys or apps designed for young children. At this age, kids can start learning simple concepts through AI in a playful, supervised environment. But, it’s important to make sure the AI tools or toys are age-appropriate, with built-in safety features like parental controls.
For older children, around ages 8 and up, AI can become a more active part of their education, especially through apps that teach skills like coding or personalized learning platforms used in school. No matter the age, though, it’s essential for parents to stay involved, monitor how the AI is used, and set healthy boundaries on screen time. Here are 10 tips to help you be a more mindful parent.
How can parents ensure their child's data is protected when using AI apps?
Protecting your child’s data when using AI apps requires a combination of research and active management.
Check the privacy policies of any AI-powered app or toy your child uses. Look for trusted companies that are transparent about how they collect, store, and use data.
Use parental controls to limit data collection, or turn off features like voice recording or location tracking.
Teach your child basic data privacy rules, such as not sharing personal information like their name, address, or school with apps or devices.
Use family accounts to monitor what data is being collected and to control settings.
Regularly review the apps or toys your child uses, and delete any that aren’t actively needed or that have unclear data practices.
How can AI be used to support children with special educational needs?
AI has the potential to be incredibly helpful for children with special educational needs by offering tools that adapt to their unique challenges. AI-powered apps can personalize lessons based on how quickly or slowly a child is learning, making education more accessible to kids who may struggle with traditional teaching methods.
Children with dyslexia can benefit from AI reading apps that adjust text size, font, or color to make reading easier. Speech-to-text tools can help kids who have trouble writing or typing, while voice recognition technology can support children who have difficulty communicating verbally.
AI can also assist in organizing and structuring learning for kids with ADHD or autism by providing clear, step-by-step guidance that helps them stay focused (explore these six practices to calm an ADHD mind). In classrooms, AI-driven accessibility tools provide real-time support to ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn in a way that works best for them.
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