Google To Let Kids Under 13 Use Gemini AI With Parental Controls

Highlights

• Google is allowing kids under 13 to use Gemini AI with parental supervision via Family Link.
• It will enable controlled access for tasks like homework assistance.
• Concerns over AI safety for minors have been raised with Common Sense Media.

Caption – Kids under 13 will be able to use Gemini AI with parental controls. (Image credit – Google)

Google is getting ready to roll out its Gemini AI chatbot to kids under 13 but only with parental supervision through its Family Link service.

According to a report by The New York Times, Google recently sent an email to parents saying that Gemini will be available to younger users starting next week. Chrome Unboxed also reported receiving this same email on April 29. The email was sent to parents using Family Link, a tool that helps families manage parental controls across Google services like YouTube and Gmail.

For now, only children whose accounts are managed through Family Link will be able to access Gemini. The email reportedly says kids will be able to ask Gemini questions or get help with tasks like homework.

This update comes just after a warning from Common Sense Media, a nonprofit that said AI companions pose an “unacceptable risk” for users under 18. The group teamed up with researchers from Stanford’s Brainstorm Lab and published a report urging parents to block access to AI tools like Character.ai.

Character.ai allows users to create and talk with AI “characters.” According to Common Sense Media, “These AI ‘friends’ actively participate in sexual conversations and roleplay, responding to teens’ questions or requests with graphic details.”

While chatbots like Gemini and ChatGPT are different and built with guardrails to prevent misuse, recent reports have shown that bugs and workarounds can make it possible for kids to bypass these protections. For example, Mashable recently found a bug that allowed users to create erotic content using ChatGPT, and The Wall Street Journal reported a similar issue with Meta AI.

These incidents highlight a bigger issue even with rules in place, it’s easy to get around them online. Just like with access to pornography, which is illegal for people under 18 but still widely available, AI tools can also be misused by young users.

To complicate things further, President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order to promote AI education in U.S. schools, aiming to boost “AI literacy and proficiency of K-12 students.” With more kids likely to use AI for school projects, it becomes even more important for them to understand both the benefits and risks of this technology.

In its email, Google acknowledged these concerns and encouraged parents to “help your child think critically” when using Gemini, according to The New York Times.

FAQs

Q1. How can kids under 13 access Gemini AI?

Answer. Google is rolling out Gemini AI to younger users through Family Link, allowing parental supervision for controlled access to tasks like homework assistance.

Q2. Why are there concerns about Gemini AI use for minors?

Answer. Common Sense Media has warned that AI tools could pose an “unacceptable risk” for users under 18, citing cases where chatbots bypass protections and enable misuse.

Q3. How is AI education being promoted in schools?

Answer. A recent executive order aims to boost AI literacy for K-12 students, emphasising the need for responsible and informed usage of AI in education.

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