Parents urged to discuss AI safety with tweens as usage rises

A significant portion of tweens, close to two-thirds, are engaging with artificial intelligence at least once a month, yet many lack guidance on its safe and responsible use. A Common Sense media report reveals that approximately 47% of children aged 9 to 12 have never received an AI safety talk from their parents or guardians.

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It's a really important time to be having digital literacy conversations because it's before they become so immersed in social media or other online experiences.

AI-powered tools, including chatbots and content generators, are increasingly accessible through web searches, customer service platforms, and social media. Educational institutions are also incorporating this technology. Among tweens who use AI, a large majority, about three in four, utilize it for academic purposes or creative endeavors like generating images, music, or videos. Notably, 42% report using AI to seek information about their health or bodies.

Experts emphasize that initiating conversations about AI at any age is beneficial, but the tween years, roughly ages 8 to 10, present a critical window. During this period, children develop more logical reasoning and begin to think abstractly, enabling them to grasp concepts like fairness and how technology design influences behavior. Dr. Jenny Radesky, division director of developmental behavioral pediatrics at the University of Michigan School of Medicine, suggests these discussions can "innoculate" children against potential AI-related risks.

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The machine doesn't even have a concept of what a 10-year-old is.

To foster understanding, caregivers are advised to explain AI in simple terms, clarifying that it is not human, lacks feelings, and can be inaccurate. As children mature, reinforcing these points becomes crucial. Jason Yip, an associate professor at the University of Washington's Information School, notes that AI chatbots do not inherently understand they are interacting with children. Children may perceive AI's responses as strange or "dumb" when they don't meet their expectations of human interaction, indicating a gap between AI capabilities and a child's understanding of personhood.

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It can't pass whatever the children's version of a Turing Test is at this point.