AI and Children: A Guide for Grandparents

If you have grandchildren, you've probably heard them talk about using AI. They might use it for schoolwork, to play with ideas, or just out of curiosity. It can feel a bit baffling, especially if you're not using it much yourself.

This is a simple guide to what they're likely doing, what to watch out for, and how to have a good, calm conversation about it all. We've put together more guidance for families on AI if you'd like to explore further.

What are children using AI for?

Most of the time, it's for school. Many children use AI chatbots to have a tricky subject explained in a simple way. It can be like a patient tutor who never gets tired of answering questions. They also use it for brainstorming ideas for a project or practising for a test.

Some also use it for fun, like writing a silly story or creating a picture.

The best way to talk about it: learn together

The most helpful thing you can do is be curious. Banning it or being anxious can shut down the conversation. A great approach is to ask them to show you. If you have your own worries about AI first, our page on common fears about AI is a reassuring starting point.

You could say something like, "I've heard a lot about this AI stuff. Could you show me how it works for you?" When they teach you, it opens the door to a gentle chat. You can ask questions like, "That's clever. How do you know if the answer is right?"

A few simple family rules

You don't need to be a tech expert to set a few sensible boundaries. The most important ones are:

• Keep personal information private. A good rule for the whole family is not to share names, addresses, schools, or photos in an AI chat.
• Double-check the facts. AI can get things wrong. Encourage them to treat its answers as a starting point, and to check the facts with a school book or a trusted website.
• Use it for help, not for cheating. Most schools want to see a child's own work. Talk to them about using AI to understand a topic or make a plan, not to write the final essay for them.

For practical guidance on keeping children safe online, the charity Internet Matters has excellent free resources for UK families. And for tips on keeping your own AI use safe, see our guide to staying safe with AI.

Prompts you can try together

Playing with it together can be a nice way to learn. Here are a few things you could try.

• "Explain fractions in a simple way for a 10-year-old."
• "Give us three ideas for a short story about a lost dog."
• "Can you create a practice quiz on the Tudors with five questions?"
• "Explain the water cycle like I'm 12 years old."

It's about curiosity, not control

These new tools are here to stay, and our grandchildren will grow up with them. Stay curious and keep the conversation friendly. That's how you help them learn to use AI thoughtfully and safely. Your calm guidance is more helpful than any technical rule.

Helpful links for beginners

These pages can help you explore AI together.

• What is AI?
• How to use ChatGPT
• Try AI now
• Practical uses for AI
• Glossary of simple AI terms
• Common fears about AI
• Learn more with simple guides
• Back to the blog
• Staying safe with AI

FAQ