Guarding your children’s digital safety in the age of AI

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been integrated into our daily lives, from smart home devices to personalized content on social media. As a parent, it’s crucial to understand how AI works so that we can help guide and protect our children.

Recent statistics show the growing influence of AI. According to a 2023 survey by the Pew Research Center, 58% of Americans say they interact with AI technologies daily. However, many consumers may not even realize they are using AI. For instance, smart TVs recommend shows based on viewing habits, virtual voice assistants help manage daily tasks, and you’ve probably enjoyed personalized music recommendations on various platforms — all thanks to AI algorithms.

Luis Silva is the vice president and general manager of AT&T Florida. (courtesy, Luis Silva)

Undoubtedly, AI offers numerous benefits, from enhancing customer experiences to providing virtual assistants at home. As AI becomes increasingly accessible on commonly used devices, children are also becoming more familiar with this technology.

A study by the Florida Center for Cybersecurity revealed that 72% of teens use AI-driven platforms like social media and gaming apps. These numbers underscore the importance of digital literacy for both parents and children.

A growing concern is whether kids know the difference between AI-generated content and genuine human interaction. AI can create incredibly realistic images, videos and even social media profiles, making it challenging to tell what is real.

Additionally, generative AI can be used maliciously to create false or distorted images of children or teens, or even someone they know, with the intent of shaming or attacking them on social media. Another significant threat is voice cloning, in which AI mimics someone’s voice to deceive or coerce kids into actions they wouldn’t usually take, such as sharing private information or sending money.

Conversations about these risks and approaching suspicious content skeptically can help children stay safer online. Here are some basic tips for parents:

1. Educate Yourself and Your Children: Start by learning about the basics of AI. Resources like AT&T’s ScreenReady site offer tools and information on digital parenting. Share this knowledge with your children and discuss how AI is used in the apps and devices they use daily.
2. Encourage Critical Thinking: Teach your kids to question the content they encounter online. Encourage them to ask questions like: Who created this content? What is the source? Is there evidence to support this information? This critical thinking approach can help them identify AI-generated content and avoid falling for misinformation.
3. Monitor Social Media Use: Social media platforms are full of AI-generated content designed to capture your attention. Consider setting boundaries on social media usage and using privacy settings. Discuss the potential risks of interacting with unknown profiles or sharing personal information.
4. Discuss the Ethical Use of AI: AI can be a powerful tool for creativity and learning, but it also comes with ethical considerations. Talk to your children about the responsible use of AI, including the consequences of creating or spreading harmful content. Understanding the impact of their digital footprint is key.
5. Leverage Parental Controls: Many devices and apps offer parental control features that can help you monitor and manage your child’s online activities. Use these tools to set appropriate limits and ensure a safer online experience for your children.

AT&T’s ScreenReady initiative is part of our larger effort to bridge the digital divide by providing families with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive in a connected world. By offering resources on digital parenting, ScreenReady empowers parents to guide their children in safely and effectively using technology.

As AI advances, parents must become savvy about this technology and provide informed guidance to their children. By fostering a culture of critical thinking and ethical use of AI, we can help our kids navigate the digital world safely and responsibly. For more resources and tips on digital parenting, visit AT&T’s ScreenReady site at screenready.att.com.

Luis Silva is the vice president and general manager of AT&T Florida. He resides in South Florida with his wife and their youngest of three daughters.

Originally Published: December 8, 2024 at 6:00 AM EST

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