Parents searching for a safe, AI-powered tool for their kids will soon have a new option: Google’s Gemini chatbot. Starting next week, children under 13 with parent-managed Google accounts will be allowed to access Gemini, according to a report from The New York Times. This expansion, through Google’s Family Link service, marks a significant move as tech companies aim to introduce child-safe AI experiences. With robust parental controls and strict data usage policies, Google is positioning Gemini as a trusted chatbot solution for younger audiences navigating the digital world.
Google confirmed that Gemini will come with specific safety guardrails designed for children. Parents who use Google Family Link—a popular service that manages app usage, screen time, and account settings—can now choose to enable Gemini for their kids. Importantly, Google emphasized that interactions between kids and Gemini will not be used to train its broader AI models, addressing key concerns about data privacy and child protection online.
Why Tech Companies Are Targeting Younger Audiences
The move comes at a time when AI chatbots are becoming increasingly competitive. Companies like Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI are racing to gain early loyalty from young users, despite ongoing concerns about chatbot accuracy and potential risks. Offering AI tools to children could help tech giants build brand affinity from a young age—especially as AI becomes an integral part of education, entertainment, and daily life.
Child Safety and Regulation in the Age of AI
Global organizations are raising red flags. UNESCO, for example, has urged governments worldwide to establish stricter rules for generative AI in education. The agency recommends setting minimum age requirements, robust data protection laws, and clear privacy standards. By proactively adding restrictions and transparency around Gemini, Google is attempting to align with these emerging AI safety regulations—a critical move to maintain public trust and avoid future scrutiny.
What This Means for the Future of Kids and AI
Allowing younger users to interact with AI chatbots like Gemini could redefine how kids learn, play, and communicate online. However, it also raises serious discussions about digital literacy, online security for children, and the ethical responsibilities of tech companies.
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