While schools are on holiday, children are chatting

With the school holidays, children and young people spend a significant part of their time at home playing games with their tablets, computers or smart devices. Chatting with artificial intelligence has also been added to these technological ways of passing time. Cyber ​​security company ESET examined what parents should pay attention to when children use chatbots and shared their recommendations. 

Children need people at the center of their emotional world. Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool in many areas. However, until children develop a healthy relationship with artificial intelligence, its use should be carefully monitored and should never replace human relationships. As children turn to using artificial intelligence chatbots for their curiosity and friendship, questions about their security and privacy also arise. 

Artificial intelligence chatbots have become an important part of all our lives since their emergence. ChatGPT says most of its active users are young people. A study conducted in the UK in 2025 found that nearly two-thirds of children were using such devices. A similar proportion of parents are concerned that their children see AI chatbots as real people. 

Kids are using generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in a variety of ways. Some find the help of this technology valuable when doing their homework. Others treat the chatbot as a digital friend, asking it for advice and trusting its answers like they trust a close friend.  

Time to talk to kids about chatbot

In many countries, artificial intelligence chatbots are limited to users over the age of 13. However, due to the irregularity of implementation, you may need to take matters into your own hands. More important than controls are conversations. 

·      For best results, consider combining technical controls with training and advice presented in a clear and non-confrontational manner. 

·      Try to frame your communications about AI as a two-way dialogue where your children can feel comfortable sharing their experiences without fear of punishment. 

·     Explain the dangers of overuse, hallucinations, data sharing, and over-reliance on AI for serious problems. 

·       Help them understand that AI bots are not real people who can think, but machines designed to be engaging.

·   Teach your children to think critically, always verify AI outputs, and never replace chatting with their parents with chatting with a machine.

·    If necessary, follow this training with a policy that limits AI use (just as you might limit social media use or screen time in general) and limits use to age-appropriate platforms. Combine with . 

·     Enable parental controls on the apps they use to help you monitor their usage and minimize risk. 

·  Remind your children to never share personally identifiable information (PII) with AI, and change privacy settings to reduce the risk of unintentionally leaking information.