This year, it's unlikely that your child will receive crucial education on how to navigate the complexities of artificial intelligence safely while in school. A recent survey conducted by Common Sense Media revealed that only 30% of teenagers have ever had discussions with their teachers about safely using AI. This indicates a concerning gap in AI literacy among young people. Study coauthor Michael Robb emphasized that essential conversations about how AI operates, the importance of verifying chatbot information, and safe usage practices aren’t occurring frequently enough.
Robb, who serves as the head of research at Common Sense Media—an organization focused on children’s media and education—pointed out that one limitation of their findings could be students' lack of awareness regarding their school’s curriculum. Furthermore, Common Sense Media lacks insight into the efficacy of the AI instruction being provided to the teens who do receive it.
It's not surprising that a considerable 70% of teenagers reported using AI tools for their homework. Without proper education on AI, students may misuse the technology, raising concerns about long-term consequences.
Parents are likely already aware of the need to guide their children on how to ensure AI does not supplant their learning. Strategies to foster this awareness include teaching children about privacy protection and the importance of fact-checking AI-generated information. But additionally, parents must discuss how to navigate and stay safe around content produced by AI.
Robb noted that discussions around AI often become limited to simplistic questions like whether it's being used to cheat academically, neglecting other harmful situations, such as the proliferation of nude deepfakes. These AI-generated images or videos can portray individuals in pornographic scenarios, making it essential for children to understand the gravity and potential dangers associated with this technology.
Dr. Chad Steel, an adjunct professor of digital forensics at George Mason University, highlighted that the generation of nude deepfakes has become distressingly commonplace among adolescents. He described adults as likely underestimating how frequently young people engage with generative AI. Because nude deepfakes are relatively new, experts are still studying their potential long-term impacts, but it is known that victims of such exploitation can face ongoing threats throughout their lives, as images may be used as blackmail.
Once personal images are posted online, they can be saved and circulated indefinitely, leading to enduring consequences for the individual involved. Such exposure can complicate dating opportunities, career prospects, and heighten the risk of emotional distress.
To mitigate these dangers, parents should take proactive steps. Start by discussing why children should avoid creating, sharing, or engaging with nude deepfakes. Dr. Steel points out that youngsters often don’t fully grasp the severity of their actions—seeing the difference between trying on virtual clothing and sharing inappropriate images can be lost on them.
Parents must also emphasize the importance of privacy when sharing images online. Children should understand that once an image is out there, it can easily be manipulated, and they should be encouraged to limit what they share to trusted friends and private accounts.
It's vital to engage with children about these issues at a younger age than many may realize. Discussions should start as early as third or fourth grade if kids begin expressing interest in sexual content; otherwise, by fifth grade, parents should initiate these important conversations.
Justine Carino, a New York-based psychotherapist, suggests these discussions can prevent the misconception that talking about such topics gives children permission to engage in risky behavior. This proactive approach can significantly bolster their understanding of consent and personal boundaries.
It's also beneficial to teach children how to respond if they encounter nude deepfakes among their peers—encouraging them to stand firm against such pressures and reminding them that it's always acceptable to say no to uncomfortable requests.
Keeping lines of communication open can empower kids and reduce the likelihood they'll engage in risky behavior. The more parents facilitate these discussions, the greater the comfort level children will have in coming to them about any potential online dangers in the future.
Kara Alaimo, a communication professor at Fairleigh Dickinson University, specializes in advising parents, students, and educators on healthy screen time management and recently published a book titled “Over the Influence: Why Social Media Is Toxic for Women and Girls — And How We Can Take It Back.”
