Born between 2010 and 2025, Gen Alpha aren't just growing up with technology – they're actively living it. These digital natives are already wielding smartphones, tablets, and AI-powered tools with the confidence of seasoned users, navigating everything from gaming and social media to online learning platforms with remarkable ease. But the question that concerns parents and security experts is whether we are giving our children too powerful technology, too soon. On Safer Internet Day, Kaspersky security experts are sharing practical tips to help parents turn AI from a potential threat into a trusted ally for the younger generation.
The first line of defence is building AI awareness
Children have already discovered that ChatGPT, DeepSeek and other neural networks can answer questions faster than you can find the right answer in Google, and Alexa can play music without pressing a single button.
So, the only solution is to become children’s AI support. Begin by explaining that these digital assistants aren't friends, pets, or even real people. They're sophisticated tools that can be helpful, but also potentially misleading, biased, or simply wrong. Then teach them to cross-check information with multiple sources, just like they'd verify facts in a school project.
When discussing AI with children, emphasise that they should never fully trust AI answers, especially for sensitive topics like health, mental wellbeing, or safety concerns. Always encourage them to verify information and never share personal details or documents with AI systems.
Enabling safety filters
Most AI platforms and smart devices come with built-in safety features that are often overlooked or misunderstood. Spend some time checking the privacy settings and content filters and, if possible, tailor them to match your family's values and your child's maturity level. This is a basic protection against inappropriate content, privacy breaches, and potentially harmful interactions.
However, not all services and platforms provide an opportunity to set up content filters and fully control children's online activity. To create a safer digital environment for your children consider using parental control tools like Kaspersky Safe Kids. It allows parents to not only hide inappropriate content and prevent specific apps and websites from being opened but also helps balance children’s time spent online with screen time management.
Checking the AI-powered apps authenticity
In a world where AI apps are popping up faster than you can say "chatbot," verifying app authenticity is essential. Only download apps from official stores and inform your children about the importance of not installing anything from unfamiliar sources. Look up the company behind the app and check whether they have a website and legitimate business presence. Teach your kids to limit their app’s permissions and do not give access to data unless it’s necessary for the apps to work.
Staying involved and informed
A basic understanding of the range of problems your child is willing to entrust to AI is already significant. By asking simple questions like "What did you ask AI today? Did it give you the right answer?" you’ll be teaching your children to openly discuss with you the use of AI and problems they might face. When they mention using ChatGPT for homework, ask them to show you what they’ve learned. When they talk about their favourite voice assistant, ask about the topics they like to discuss and funny particularities they noted.
“When you actively participate in your child's AI journey, you transform from a concerned parent into a trusted guide. They'll seek your input because they know you're interested in their digital experiences, not just trying to control them. But while allowing children some AI freedom, you must always remain vigilant about their online safety and healthy growth,” comments Andrey Sidenko, Cyber Literacy Projects Lead at Kaspersky.
