Talking to Teens About AI: A Quick Guide for Parents
How AI Impacts Everyday Life Aura data has shown that one in five children are actively using AI-based apps, including accessing content meant for adults. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the way kids learn, communicate, and use technology. From AI-powered tutoring to chatbot companions and deepfake technology, these tools offer exciting possibilities but also bring risks. While AI can boost creativity, education, and efficiency, it can also expose kids to inappropriate content, social manipulation, and ethical concerns. What is Generative AI? AI comes in different forms, which can make it hard for parents to keep up! Generative AI (Gen AI) creates new content—text, images, music, and videos—by recognizing patterns in the data it has learned from. Unlike traditional AI, which analyzes information, Gen AI generates entirely new outputs. Some common examples include: Chatbots – AI tools that help with conversations and writing. AI-generated images and deepfakes – Used to create or alter pictures and videos. AI-powered music and content creators – Programs that compose music, generate video scripts, and assist with storytelling. While these tools can be useful, they also pose risks, such as generating inappropriate content and spreading misinformation. How Teens Use AI Many parents don’t realize how much their kids are already using AI. A Common Sense Media survey of 1,045 children found that 70% of teens have used AI, but only 37% of parents were aware (Madden et al., 2024). Since AI tools are so easy to access, parents must take an active role in helping their kids use AI safely and responsibly. Hope Lab's report from the survey also explored the question: "What is one important thing adults should know about how teens use AI?" through additional research and analysis. The findings highlighted several key use areas: AI in Schoolwork – Teens use AI regularly for assignments, sometimes in ways that cross into cheating. General Curiosity – Many teens ask AI random questions to learn or get quick answers. Companionship – Some use AI chatbots for comfort and as conversation partners. Creativity & Entertainment – Teens enjoy AI for art, music, and other creative projects. Self-Image & Social Media – Some modify their appearance in photos using AI tools. Dishonesty & Bullying – AI is sometimes used for deception, such as faking voices to trick parents or for cyberbullying. Sexual Curiosity – Some teens turn to AI for intimate or explicit conversations. Despite these concerns, teens also believe adults can play a supportive role in helping them navigate AI responsibly. Understanding AI Risks Aura is studying the safety measures and risks of generative AI apps to help parents understand how to monitor them wisely. Some AI tools are safer than others, so it’s important to know which ones need extra caution. Aura has created the following categories to help parents and teens make informed choices about AI use: High-risk AI – Includes chatbots and deepfakes that could lead to emotional dependency, misinformation, online exploitation, or grooming. Moderate-risk AI – Includes learning tools that could pose ethical concerns, such as AI-generated homework assistance, or be misused if safeguards are bypassed. Low-risk AI – Includes creativity and problem-solving tools that help with education when used responsibly. By understanding these levels, parents can guide their children toward AI tools that are both safe and beneficial. Helping Your Teen Navigate AI Safely AI is advancing quickly, which means risks like misinformation, bias, and ethical concerns are always evolving. But just as we teach kids to stop, look, and think before crossing the street, we can teach them to pause, question, and verify when using AI. You don’t need to have all the answers—just starting the conversation is a great first step. Here are some practical ways to talk to your child about AI: Foster Open Conversations – Ask your child about their experiences with AI and encourage critical thinking about AI-generated content. If they’re using a new AI tool, ask why they like it and how they use it. Trying AI tools yourself can also help you understand their digital world and make these conversations easier. Encourage Responsible AI Use – Teach your child that AI is a tool for learning and creativity, but they should be mindful of ethics and privacy. Remind them that AI-generated content can sound human but isn’t always accurate. Just like talking to a friend, AI doesn’t know everything—encourage them to question and fact-check before trusting AI-generated information. Educate About AI’s Risks – Explain how AI algorithms work and discuss the risks of misinformation and manipulation. AI doesn’t “know” facts—it predicts answers based on data, which means it can be wrong or biased. Also, make them aware that some AI tools collect personal data and that people can use AI to manipulate or deceive others online. Empower Critical Thinking – Teach your child to question AI-generated content by asking, Is this true? Where does this information come from? Teaching them to question AI-generated content helps them develop a healthy skepticism and navigate AI responsibly. Set Digital Boundaries – Use parental controls when needed and monitor AI-related app usage. Setting limits may be difficult—especially with teens—but remind them that these boundaries aren’t punishments. They are temporary safeguards to help them build the skills they need to use AI responsibly. Gen AI Algorithms Algorithms can be difficult to understand. Since the AI learns initially by “reading” a lot of information, the risk is that it may not have all of the necessary information which leads to misinformation. Here is a brief description of how the algorithms work at a high level: Learning from Information – AI reads and remembers tons of books, websites, and conversations. Recognizing Patterns – It notices which words and ideas go together. Guessing the Next Word – Instead of thinking, it predicts what words should come next, like a super-fast guessing game. Getting Smarter Over Time – AI improves as it gets more data, but it still doesn’t understand things like a person does. Although AI can be mistaken as a human in a conversation (especially by kids), it is a really smart computer program that learns by looking at tons of information and recognizing patterns. You’re Already Doing Enough You don’t need to be an AI expert! What matters most is staying curious, open, and involved in your child’s digital world. By learning together, you’re helping them develop the skills to use AI safely, think critically, and make responsible choices online. Since AI regulations are still developing, several organizations provide resources for parents. Check out these websites for more tips on guiding your child’s AI use: Common Sense Media (DigitalParenthood partner!) Child Rescue Coalition Unicef Hope Lab
