Google has started letting children under 13 use its Gemini AI chatbot through Family Link accounts. This move aims to help kids with homework, answer questions, and encourage creative writing, all while keeping parents in control.
Parents will get a notification the first time their child uses Gemini. They can choose to manage or turn off access anytime. Family Link lets parents set screen time limits, monitor usage, and restrict content, making it easier to supervise kids’ digital activities.
“Your child will be able to access Gemini Apps soon,” Google told parents in an email, according to The New York Times.
Google says it has built-in safeguards to filter out unsafe or inappropriate content. The company promises that kids’ accounts won’t be used to train AI models.
Still, Google admits Gemini can make mistakes and may sometimes show content parents don’t want their kids to see.
Parents are encouraged to teach children to think critically, fact-check answers, and avoid sharing personal information with AI.
Experts and child safety groups raise concerns. They warn that AI tools can sometimes confuse or mislead young users, and their filters are not always accurate. UNICEF and others urge parents to stay involved and guide their children’s online experiences.
This rollout puts Google ahead of rivals in offering AI for young users, but it also highlights the need for strong safeguards.