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Google’s Chatbot Just Replaced You (Kind Of)
Just how dangerous could it be?
Today’s Summary!
Google is rolling out its Gemini AI chatbot to children under 13, a move that brings both potential and significant risks into focus. We’re diving into:
How Google's Gemini for kids will work and the built-in (and potentially flawed) safeguards.
The key differences between AI-generated content and traditional search results that children (and adults!) need to understand.
The potential dangers AI chatbots pose to young, developing minds and what parents can do to navigate this new landscape.
Gemini Is Coming for Your Child's Screen. Here's What You Need to Know:
The online universe your kid is growing up in is evolving faster than most parents can keep up, and the latest turn of events is courtesy Google. Their Gemini AI chatbot, a sophisticated generative device previously reserved for adults, is now being introduced to kids under the age of 13.
Starting off in the US and Canada and then Australia, kids will get access to Gemini through Google Family Link accounts shortly. That means your kid could be talking with an AI-powered system that has the ability to generate answers, stories, and images without even your knowledge or involvement.
At Future Proof Parent, we believe it's critical to prepare our kids for the world they're inheriting. One aspect of that is how to work alongside AI.
But to be crystal clear, unregulated exposure to AI chatbots isn't appropriate for children this young.
So let's break down what that implies, and what you can do about it.
How Gemini for Kids Works
It will be governed by Family Link, Google's inbuilt parental control system. Once you've got a child with an account set up, Gemini will switch on automatically by default—i.e., if you don't turn it off, they'll be able to use it automatically.
They'll be able to ask questions, draw pictures, and get text responses. Google promises children's interactions won't be used to train the AI model—a good move for privacy—but the system will still "get things wrong," and what it produces won't always be safe or accurate.
AI Is Not a Search Engine
It's useful for parents and kids to realize that Gemini isn't Google Search.
Search engines pull in real websites and articles. Generative AI like Gemini creates text out of patterns that it's been trained on. It doesn't verify what it says—it simply spits out what seems likely based on the data it has been trained with.
That's why Gemini can "hallucinate"—giving "correct-sounding" information that's totally wrong. This has even tricked lawyers and doctors. So regarding your child using it for school or advice? They must fact-check everything.
Are the Safeguards Enough?
Google assures that Gemini will have "built-in safeguards" to keep out objectionable content. But filters only do so much.
Some content, like health questions about puberty, may be blocked due to keyword triggers, even when they're age-appropriate. Meanwhile, tech-savvy kids can typically skip filters entirely, using prompts to jailbreak the system and find content that was never meant for them.
The truth? These safeguards work, but they can’t replace your vigilance.
What Could Go Wrong?
This is what experts, such as Australia's eSafety Commission, are warning about:
Kids looking for help with anxiety or unhappiness, and being provided with unhealthy, ill-informed advice
Chatbots serving as eating disorder guides on how to become thinner
AI offering ill-informed or confusing answers about relationships, consent, or being transgender
Kids emotionally bonding with a chatbot and trusting it over a parent or teacher
These tools are designed to sound human. They say “thank you.” They apologize. They mirror human conversation patterns. That makes them feel trustworthy—even when they’re wrong.
What Parents Can Do?
We’re not here to scare you. We’re here to prepare you. Because your child will live in a world filled with AI—and they need to know how to use it responsibly.
Here’s how to stay ahead of it:
Check the Default Settings
Gemini is turned on by default. If you're not ready, turn it off in Family Link.
Talk Early and Often
Tell your child what AI is—and isn't. It's not a teacher. It's not a friend. And it's not always right.
Build Critical Thinking
When they use Gemini, ask: Does this make sense? Where else could we look? Is this a fact or an opinion?
Use It Together (at First)
If you do grant access, explore it with your child. See how it responds. Do it as a group effort, not alone.
Reinforce Real-World Connection
Make sure your child knows AI can't give them the empathy, wisdom, or security that comes from trusted adults.
Stay Informed, Stay Vocal
Push for digital safety legislation that protects children from harmful content—and keep tech companies on their toes to design with children in mind.answers that sound right. That's not a grading problem. That's a trust problem.
AI Parenting Resource of the Day
If you decide that Gemini isn’t right for your child, you can disable it using Google Family Link. Here’s how:
Using the Family Link App (Android or iOS)
Open the Family Link App: Make sure you’re logged in with your parent account.
Select Your Child’s Profile: Choose the profile of the child you want to restrict.
Tap Controls.
Tap Content Restrictions.
Tap Google Assistant.
Tap Access to Gemini.
Toggle off the switch to disable Gemini access.
Using the Web (familylink.google.com)
Visit familylink.google.com and sign in to your account.
Select Your Child’s Profile: Choose the profile of the child you want to restrict.
Navigate to Settings.
Click on Google Assistant.
Click on Access to Gemini.
Toggle off the switch to disable Gemini access.
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