ChatGPT can be used more safely when a parent stays involved, protects private information and teaches a child to verify important answers.
Safety starts before the chat begins
Parents should first check the tool's current terms and age guidance. If you decide to demonstrate it, use an adult-managed account and stay present. A child does not need their own account to learn the key AI habits.
The most important lesson: confident is not the same as correct
Chatbots can sound polished even when an answer is incomplete or wrong. Show your child how to ask, “How do we check this?” That question is more valuable than any clever prompt.
What children should never type
- Home address, school name, passwords or phone numbers
- Family financial information or private documents
- Photos or details about another person without permission
- Anything they would not comfortably say to a trusted adult
Use it for support, not substitution
Safer uses include explaining a difficult idea in simpler language, suggesting a quiz, helping plan a story, or generating practice questions. The child should still write their own answer, show their working and understand the final result.
A simple family check-in
After using a chatbot, ask three things: What did it say? What part was useful? What should we check or change? This keeps the child active rather than passive.
A practical next step
AI Explorers is WTB's parent-guided digital workbook for children aged 9-11. It turns the ideas in this guide into short, child-friendly missions on judgement, privacy, fact-checking and responsible creativity.