As children born between 2010 and 2025 grow up surrounded by artificial intelligence, cybersecurity experts are urging parents to take a more active role in guiding how the youngest digital natives interact with AI powered tools. Marking Safer Internet Day, Kaspersky has released new advice to help families turn artificial intelligence into a safe and trusted learning companion rather than a potential risk.
Often referred to as Generation Alpha, this cohort is already using smartphones, tablets, voice assistants and AI chatbots with ease. From gaming and social media to homework and online learning platforms, many children now rely on tools such as ChatGPT, DeepSeek and smart assistants like Alexa to find answers quickly and perform everyday tasks.
However, the rapid adoption of AI by children has raised concerns among parents and security experts about whether young users are being exposed to powerful technology too early, without adequate guidance on safe and responsible use.
Building AI awareness at home
According to Kaspersky, the most effective way to protect children online begins with awareness and education. Parents are encouraged to explain that AI systems are not real people, friends or pets, but sophisticated tools that can sometimes produce misleading, biased or incorrect information.
Experts advise families to teach children to verify AI generated answers using multiple sources, just as they would when completing school projects. Children should also be reminded never to rely on AI for sensitive topics such as health, mental wellbeing or personal safety, and to avoid sharing personal data or documents with AI systems.
Strengthening safety settings and parental controls
Kaspersky notes that many AI services and smart devices already include built in privacy settings and content filters, yet these features often remain unused. Parents are urged to review device settings and adjust filters to match their family values and the maturity level of their children.
Where built in protections are limited, the company recommends using dedicated parental control tools to block inappropriate content, restrict access to certain apps or websites and manage screen time. These tools can help create a safer digital environment while encouraging balanced technology use.
Checking the authenticity of AI apps
With new AI applications appearing rapidly, cybersecurity specialists warn that verifying app legitimacy is becoming increasingly important. Parents should ensure that children download apps only from official stores and understand the risks of installing software from unknown sources.
Experts also recommend checking whether an app developer has a legitimate website and business presence, and teaching children to limit app permissions and avoid granting unnecessary access to personal data.
Encouraging open conversations about AI
Beyond technical safeguards, Kaspersky emphasises the importance of ongoing dialogue between parents and children about their digital experiences. Asking simple questions about how children use AI, what they ask chatbots, and what they learn from them can help build trust and encourage responsible use.
“When you actively participate in your child’s AI journey, you transform from a concerned parent into a trusted guide. They’ll seek your input because they know you’re interested in their digital experiences, not just trying to control them. But while allowing children some AI freedom, you must always remain vigilant about their online safety and healthy growth,” said Andrey Sidenko, Cyber Literacy Projects Lead at Kaspersky.
As AI becomes a routine part of childhood, experts say the role of parents is shifting from gatekeepers to guides, helping children develop the skills needed to navigate an increasingly intelligent digital world safely.
