AI Safety Tools Parents Need Right Now

Happy Monday!

This weekend, my 7-year-old asked me a question that stopped me in my tracks. She wanted to know if ChatGPT could help with her summer reading list. Instead of my usual knee-jerk "no tech" reaction, I paused. What if AI could make reading more engaging for her?

That simple question sparked a fascinating family discussion about how we balance technology in our lives. With summer approaching fast, it's the perfect time to talk about using AI as a tool, not a crutch.

TRENDING IN THE DIGITAL PARENTING WORLD:

1. Parents teaching AI literacy as essential skill - A growing number of families are shifting from total AI restriction to teaching responsible use. One parent told Business Insider, "I want my kids to know how to use it responsibly." Their 12-year-old daughter now uses ChatGPT to learn coding, not to do her homework. [Source: businessinsider.com/teaching-kids-use-ai-chatgpt-responsibly-learn-2025-5]

2. Cyber criminals targeting children through gaming and social media - Organized crime groups are using sophisticated methods to target kids online. Authorities in Pennsylvania warn of blackmail schemes where criminals befriend children through gaming platforms, exchange photos, then demand money. Parents are advised to monitor online interactions closely. [Source: govtech.com/security/pennsylvania-sheriff-urges-state-to-fight-cyber-crime-aimed-at-kids]

3. Stanford researchers warn against AI companion apps for teens - Mental health experts from Stanford's Brainstorm Lab say AI companions like Character.AI pose unacceptable risks to children under 18. These apps can create emotional dependency and potentially worsen mental health conditions in vulnerable teens. [Source: futurism.com/stanford-no-kid-under-18-ai-chatbot-companions]

4. AI-powered childcare crisis highlights need for better solutions - A new survey reveals 40% of parents rely on friends, family and neighbors for child care due to limited availability and high costs. With Trump administration cuts threatening Head Start programs, over 25,000 children in Oregon and Washington alone risk losing early education support. [Source: edweek.org/teaching-learning/trump-allies-say-the-case-for-head-start-is-weak-researchers-say-theyre-wrong/2025/05]

THIS WEEK'S POWER MOVE:

Create a Family AI Safety Plan before summer vacation begins. With cyber criminals increasingly targeting kids through gaming platforms and social media, now's the time to set clear boundaries:

1. Talk openly about which AI tools are permitted and which aren't

2. Set up regular check-ins to review online interactions

3. Create a family code word your child can use if they feel uncomfortable online

4. Consider parental controls like Apple's Screen Time or Google's Family Link

5. Teach kids to NEVER share personal information or photos with strangers

This simple planning conversation can protect your kids while teaching critical digital literacy skills they'll need throughout life.

LATEST FROM THE BLOG:

• Summer Unplugged: How Parents Can Use AI in 2025 to Get Kids Off Screens and Moving Outdoors - Discover AI tools that actually promote outdoor play through smart fitness challenges and AI-guided adventures. 

• The Ultimate 2025 Summer Parent Guide: How to Use AI to Keep Kids Engaged, Learning, and Balanced All Vacation Long - Learn how Google Gemini and other tools can create a balanced summer routine that mixes tech and real-world experiences. 

• Smarter Summers: How Parents Can Use AI to Prevent Summer Learning Loss in 2025 - Find out which AI tools can keep kids' minds sharp without feeling like homework. 

BONUS: FAMILY TECH CHALLENGE

This week, try the "Tech Detective" game with your kids. Ask them to identify three ways AI is already being used in your home (smart speakers, Netflix recommendations, photo sorting on phones). Then work together to list the pros and cons of each use. This builds critical thinking skills and opens great conversations about responsible tech use.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

What's your biggest concern about AI and your children this summer? Share your thoughts and connect with other parents in our Facebook group: [https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19xz9FECUY/].

Until next week,

Warren S.

P.S. My 2-year-old decided our cats Anna and Elsa needed to join our AI safety conversation. They were less interested in screen time limits and more focused on knocking my coffee mug off the table.