60+ Groups Push for Kid-Safe AI + New Family Tools

Happy Monday!

Last week my 7-year-old daughter asked me a question that caught me off guard: "Dad, why do you want me to use screens less when you're always on your phone?" Talk about getting called out. She was right. But what if we could use technology to actually reduce our overall screen time?

This week's newsletter explores new AI tools designed to give parents more visibility into kids' digital lives while helping families build healthier tech habits together.

TRENDING IN THE DIGITAL PARENTING WORLD:

• Over 60 organizations signed a National Declaration on AI and Kids' Safety on May 12, demanding Congress create clear guardrails for AI systems aimed at children. The coalition specifically called for a ban on AI designs that profit from extending kids' screen time through manipulative tactics. [Source: angelq.ai/resources/national-declaration-on-ai-kids-safety]

• Smith Micro announced SafePath 8, launching later in 2025, featuring AI tools that alert parents to concerning content in their children's social media, including cyberbullying, hate speech, and mentions of self-harm. My two cents: I'd rather know early than too late. [Source: marketscreener.com/quote/stock/SMITH-MICRO-SOFTWARE-INC-30581022/news/]

• Google I/O 2025 revealed Agent Mode for Gemini, which can complete complex tasks based on simple instructions. Example: Tell it 'plan my child's birthday party' and it handles the details. This could be a game-changer for busy parents juggling too many tasks. [Source: blog.google/technology/ai/google-io-2025-all-our-announcements/]

THIS WEEK'S POWER MOVE:

Set up a 'digital wellness hour' with your kids. The National Declaration on AI tells us that kids need protection, but they also need education. Spend 30 minutes showing your children how to spot when apps are trying to keep them scrolling (infinite content feeds, autoplay features, etc.), then brainstorm healthier tech habits together.

I tried this with my 7-year-old daughter last weekend. We looked at her favorite game apps and identified which ones used tricks to keep her playing longer. She surprised me by creating her own 'timer system' using sticky notes afterward!

FRESH FROM THE BLOG:

• The Parent's Guide to AI Prompting in 2025: Learn practical ways to use ChatGPT for planning summer activities and simplifying family routines. https://warrenschuitema.com/post/ai-parenting-guide-2025-family-prompts

• Smarter Parenting with LLMs: Discover how tools like ChatGPT, Claude and Google Gemini can improve communication with kids and organize family life. https://warrenschuitema.com/post/ai-parenting-tools-2025-chatgpt-gemini-claude

• Family Storytelling Reimagined: Create personalized bedtime stories and animated videos together using AI. Perfect for rainy summer days! https://warrenschuitema.com/post/family-ai-storytelling-guide

BONUS: FAMILY AI CHALLENGE

This week, try creating a 'family digital contract' with AI assistance. Ask ChatGPT or Google Gemini to draft age-appropriate technology guidelines for your household, then customize them together as a family. Post your contract somewhere visible as a friendly reminder of your tech boundaries.

My 2-year-old isn't ready for this yet, but my oldest daughter helped create ours. She takes pride in being part of the rule-making process rather than just following rules someone else created.

Join our 'AI-Powered Super Parents' Facebook group to share your family's digital contract or ask questions: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19xz9FECUY/

Until next week,

Warren S.

P.S. Did you know World Economic Forum research shows AI could impact more than 22% of jobs by 2030? All the more reason to help our kids become AI-savvy now.