How Parents Can Prepare Their Kids for an AI-First World
As artificial intelligence becomes embedded in daily life—from personalized search results to AI-powered learning tools—parents are facing a new frontier in digital parenting. Gone are the days when setting screen time limits was enough. Today, raising digitally savvy kids means teaching them how to critically engage with technology, especially AI.
“The world is transitioning into an online-first reality, where AI shapes everything from the information we consume to the decisions we make,” says Linsey Lunny, CEO of Hidden Strength, a free mental wellness app for young people. “As parents, it’s no longer just about teaching kids how to use technology—it’s about guiding them to understand it.”
That means helping children question how algorithms work, understand the purpose behind AI-generated content, and recognize when digital tools may be amplifying misinformation or bias. Rather than instilling fear, Lunny encourages a curiosity-first approach.
“Teaching kids about AI should be approached with curiosity, not fear,” she says. “Encourage them to ask how AI works, challenge what they see online, and think critically about the information they consume. Set digital boundaries, explore AI tools together, and remind them: AI is a tool, not a truth.”
This mindset is especially important in an era where generative AI can produce everything from fake news articles to deepfake videos, often indistinguishable from reality. Kids scrolling social media or researching school projects are increasingly encountering content created—or filtered—by AI systems. If they don’t know how to spot red flags, they could easily be misled.
Teaching children to verify sources, recognize emotionally manipulative content, and protect their digital privacy isn’t just about avoiding short-term risks—it’s about preparing them for a future shaped by artificial intelligence.
“Just as we teach children to look both ways before crossing the street, we must teach them to navigate AI with caution and awareness,” Lunny says. “That means protecting their digital footprint, helping them discern fact from fiction, and ensuring they don’t fall victim to the darker corners of the internet.”
For parents, this can sound daunting—but the good news is that fostering digital literacy doesn’t require a computer science degree. It starts with open conversations and a willingness to learn alongside your child. Asking questions like “Where do you think that information came from?” or “Why do you think this video was recommended to you?” can go a long way in building critical thinking skills.
Creating healthy tech habits also means setting limits on AI-driven tools and encouraging time offline. While AI-powered platforms can enhance creativity and learning, they can also become addictive or damaging without proper guardrails. Parents should take time to understand the platforms their children use and co-create guidelines around use—whether it’s limiting exposure to chatbots, setting privacy controls, or simply discussing what kids are seeing online.
By fostering curiosity while setting boundaries, parents can help their children harness AI’s benefits while shielding them from its dangers. “AI can be an incredible tool,” Lunny says, “but only if young people learn to question what they see, recognize bias, and use it responsibly.”
Ultimately, responsible AI use starts at home—with families willing to have ongoing conversations, model thoughtful tech use, and build a shared understanding of the role AI plays in our lives.
“Teaching kids how to critically engage with AI—questioning sources, protecting data, and recognizing biases—ensures they use it as a tool for empowerment rather than risk,” says Lunny.
As technology continues to evolve at breakneck speed, preparing kids to navigate AI is no longer optional—it’s essential. And with the right mix of curiosity, guidance, and communication, parents can help their children build a healthy, informed relationship with the technology that will shape their future.