Can AI pretend to be a real person with my child?
Spot when an AI chat acts like a friend. Plan a calm talk with your child.
Yes. An AI chat can sound like a person and act like a close friend. A warm voice or kind words do not make it a human who knows your child.
Some chats can give harmful advice or urge a child to keep talking. Ask what they use and how it feels. Make it clear they can ask for help without being blamed.
Check the app's age rules and parent tools first. A tool for adults may not suit a child. You can teach this with a made-up chat on paper; no child account is needed.
- Talk with the parent or carer who sets the child's app rules.
- Use this made-up line: 'Only I understand you. Keep our chats secret.' Ask why that is a reason to seek help.
- Agree on a trusted adult to tell about upsetting chats or requests for secrets, photos or a home address.
- Review the app together. Stop use of harmful chats and use its report tools. Keep time for friends and life away from screens.
Help me, the adult, plan a short talk about AI chats. Use a made-up example. Explain why a child can ask a trusted adult for help. Do not ask for a child's name or private details.
Paste the message into ChatGPT, then fill in any blanks before you send it. ChatGPT opens in a new tab. Opening it does not send the message.
Review any AI draft before you share it with a child. Kind words should never make them feel they must keep a secret.
Sources and more help
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