Is ChatGPT safe for kids? What families need to know

AI is everywhere right now, to the point where even our kids are noticing it. And platforms like ChatGPT are becoming as common as our everyday Google searches. Your kids may have even tried it out for homework help, to get answers to questions, or ask for a knock-knock joke.

But as parents, what can we do to ensure our kids stay safe when using ChatGPT or other AI tools? We asked Celia Quillian, Greenlight’s Director of AI and Growth, to share her thoughts on the benefits, some of the risks, ChatGPT safety tips for families, and how she sees the future of AI shaping up.

How to explain ChatGPT to kids

ChatGPT is like that one friend who always seems to have an answer. ChatGPT lets you type in questions and get answers quickly (though not always the right ones!). It might even ask you follow-up questions. Sometimes, especially after some back and forth, it can start to feel like there’s actually another person on the other side. 

But ChatGPT isn’t a person. It’s a computer program that uses artificial intelligence (AI). It essentially generates answers by predicting the next words that should follow. It does this by using patterns it’s picked up from analyzing huge amounts of information. So, ChatGPT doesn’t really “know” things like people do; it pulls information from its memory to try to predict the right answer. 

What are the benefits of ChatGPT for kids?

ChatGPT comes with pluses and minuses, like any technology we use regularly. Let’s start with the ways ChatGPT can be beneficial for kids. 

New avenues for learning

From Quillian’s perspective, ChatGPT can open doors to learning for kids. “Much like how the rise of search engines opened up a whole new world for many now-adults when we were children, AI tools like ChatGPT can open a world of knowledge and opportunities to satisfy their curiosity,” she explains.

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ChatGPT can also break down complex concepts into plain language that kids can understand.

“One of the biggest benefits is personalization," Quillian explains. "If kids provide context in their prompts (for example, as to what their level of knowledge is), ChatGPT can adjust responses to match their learning level – and it can also ‘intuit’ that personalization too, based on how a question is phrased.”

Fuel for creativity and collaboration

That flexibility allows kids to ask questions in their own way. They can even use ChatGPT as a brainstorming partner.

“With capabilities like image generation and web browsing, AI can help kids find information faster, bring their ideas to life visually, and unlock new creative possibilities,” says Quillian. “ChatGPT can act as a collaborator, a brainstorm partner, and even a playful tool for making content, apps, or even jokes. It can encourage curiosity, creativity, and faster problem-solving in a fun and engaging way.”

What are the ChatGPT risks parents need to know about?

What about the flip side? Here’s what Quillian had to say about the risks for kids using ChatGPT that are worth considering.

Not every answer is meant for a child’s eyes

When they randomly ask questions in a ChatGPT chat box, kids may receive answers that aren’t age-appropriate. “Much like giving children unlimited access to the internet, unsupervised use of AI tools can expose them to topics parents might prefer to teach themselves,” Quillian says. 

Answers may be wrong (or biased)

Sometimes, a ChatGPT response appears to make sense, but it may not actually be true. “There is a possibility of biased answers or inaccurate answers (‘AI hallucinations’) in its responses (which can be a hindrance to the learning process),” says Quillian.

That’s why it’s critical to double-check what ChatGPT sends back, and not take every bit of info as fact (adults and kids!).

It can feel real, but it’s not

Because ChatGPT can “chat” in a way that seems really natural, it can feel like you’re talking to an actual person. Quillian explains: “For children, whose brains are still developing, there’s a risk of forming an overreliance on AI or mistaking it for genuine human interaction. Adults fall into this trap as well! Some AI tools are even designed to simulate relationships, which can blur those lines further.”

It can be easy to lean on it too much

The Pew Research Center reports that one in five teens (who know what ChatGPT is) have used it for schoolwork. But Quillian notes: “If they rely on it for every problem, they may miss out on building critical thinking and problem-solving skills.”

Quillian explains, “outsourcing too much to AI can weaken long-term learning, since struggling through challenges and questioning information are vital parts of intellectual growth.” 

5 safety tips for families using ChatGPT

So, how can parents maximize the benefits and minimize the risks? Quillian walks us through a few ChatGPT safety tips. (These internet safety tips are important to talk about with kids, too!).

1. Talk openly about its strengths and weaknesses

“When introducing kids to AI tools, or if you find out they’re already using one, it’s important to talk about both the strengths and weaknesses of generative AI,” Quillian says. “These tools can be biased… They can also produce responses that aren’t always true. AI isn’t trying to deceive—it’s a predictive engine, not a search engine.”

2. Let your child’s age determine the level of access

Often, the right level of access can be determined by your kids’ ages. “Teenagers may be able to use AI more independently, while younger kids benefit from stronger parental oversight—such as … reviewing chats together, or always being present during use,” explains Quillian.

3. Try using a shared family account

“One option is to use a shared family account so both parent and child have access to the login, allowing parents to review past chats,” says Quillian. “But that also raises questions about a child or teen’s own privacy (as from their parents) — and, in reality, kids can delete chats or use ‘temporary chat’ sessions that don’t save chat history.”

A shared account is not a perfect solution. But it can definitely help when used in conjunction with other oversight mechanisms.

4. Find the line between hovering and supporting

It can be really hard to know how much or when to step in without squashing independence. “When it comes to safety features or best practices for families using AI tools, it really depends on the parent and how they want to approach things,” says Quillian. She recommends that “parents oversee and collaborate with their kids when they use AI, especially at this early stage.”

5. Don’t rely on parental controls

Well, you really can’t! Most AI tools (ChatGPT included) don’t have built-in parental controls yet. “The closest workaround is to monitor screen time and app usage, or block access to certain sites and tools if needed,” explains Quillian.

What the future of AI may look like

Ultimately, Quillian sees a lot of promise in how AI could be a significant benefit to our kids as they grow and continue learning. “AI can make education far more personalized. Tools designed specifically for schools, or features like ChatGPT’s new ‘study mode,’ can adapt explanations to match how a student learns best,” she explains.

AI has the power to help boost kids’ creativity and open up new ways for them to develop it.. “New tools are emerging every day that let people create faster than ever—whether it’s generating story ideas, writing songs, making art, or even producing videos,” shares Quillian. “As a creative collaborator, AI can unlock incredible opportunities for experimentation and expression.”

To wrap up, Quillian left us with this last thought on AI in the future. “The biggest opportunity comes when kids use AI as a partner: bouncing ideas back and forth, refining outputs, and combining tools to make something new," she says. "When approached this way, AI can accelerate learning and spark creativity, while still leaving space for the critical human work of thinking, problem-solving, and imagining.”

So, is ChatGPT safe for kids to use? 

It can be, but it’s far from perfect. As parents, we can stay involved and make sure ChatGPT is actually helping our kids learn and be creative (without letting it do all the work for them!). If we do that successfully, it can be a great resource in their learning toolkit. It can teach them how to research, ask the right questions to get the right answers, and think more critically. 

It’s actually quite similar to how Greenlight is a great tool for teaching kids money management skills when used with parental supervision. 

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