My Child Is Chatting with ChatGPT. Should I Be Worried?

You noticed your child chatting with ChatGPT, and now you're wondering what that really means. Is it safe? Should kids even be using it? Could they be exposed to something inappropriate—or is it just another tool like Google or YouTube?

If you're unsure, you're not alone. ChatGPT processes over 1 billion messages a day—and some of them could be from your child.

AI tools like ChatGPT are powerful and popular, but children need support to use them safely and responsibly.

Let's look at what's worth paying attention to, and how to guide your child.

Is it safe for children to use ChatGPT?

ChatGPT wasn't made for kids. It's a general-purpose tool designed to answer questions, offer suggestions, and hold conversations. While safety filters are built in, they don't catch everything—and the chatbot doesn't always understand what's age-appropriate.

Technically, ChatGPT requires users to be at least 13 years old (with parental consent) or 18+ without it, depending on the region and terms of service. But there's no real age verification in place. A child only needs an email address and a phone number to create an account—details that are easy to provide with help from a sibling, a parent, or even school-issued tools. And often, this can happen without a parent knowing. That's why it's important to stay involved—just because a platform has rules doesn't mean they're enforced.

As a rough guide:

Under 13: Not recommended. At this age, kids can easily misinterpret what AI is or assume the chatbot "knows" them.
13 to 15: Possible with clear boundaries and regular supervision. This is a good age to build safe habits together.
16 and up: More independent use is common, but occasional check-ins still help keep things grounded.

Regardless of age, the golden rule remains: children should never share personal information with an AI chatbot.

What are the risks?

ChatGPT isn't a person—but it can feel like one. And that's part of the challenge.

Some children may believe the answers they get are always correct, or that the chatbot "understands" them. Others might treat it like a digital friend—especially when they're feeling lonely, bored, or curious.

Here's what to watch out for:

Emotional reliance: Kids may turn to ChatGPT when they're upset instead of reaching out to someone who truly knows them.
Confusing or misleading answers: AI doesn't always get facts right. Some replies can sound confident but be outdated or inaccurate.
Privacy risks: Children might share names, locations, or other personal details without thinking twice.

That's why it's essential to talk openly with your child about what AI is—and what it isn't.

Some topics are better left to people

While ChatGPT can help explain how volcanoes erupt or suggest ideas for a school project, it's not a tool for emotional support.

Anything involving feelings, identity, relationships, family, or mental health is best discussed with a trusted adult. Not because the tool is dangerous—but because it can't truly understand. It doesn't know your child. It doesn't know what's happened in their life. And it can't replace empathy, context, or care.

AI also struggles with tone, sarcasm, and emotional nuance. That can lead to replies that feel off, or even upsetting—especially when a child is looking for reassurance or validation.

Let your child know they can come to you with any question—especially the big ones. And if they feel embarrassed, remind them there's no shame in asking.

Using ChatGPT for school: helpful or harmful?

Many teens are already using ChatGPT for schoolwork. In fact, a 2024 Pew Research Center survey found that 26% of U.S. teens aged 13 to 17 have used it for homework—double the number from the year before.

That doesn't have to be a bad thing. But how it's used matters more than whether it's used.

According to the same research:

54% of teens think it's okay to use ChatGPT to explore new topics.
Only 18% believe it's fine to write full essays with it.
29% feel it's acceptable to use it for solving math problems.

In other words, many teens already understand that AI should support—not replace—their thinking.

When used thoughtfully, ChatGPT can be a great learning tool. It can help explain complex concepts, provide writing prompts, or break down confusing subjects. It's especially useful for practicing grammar or reviewing tricky material.

But it becomes a problem when it replaces effort. Copying answers, handing in AI-generated essays, or skipping the thinking part altogether means they're not learning—just going through the motions.

Encourage your child to treat ChatGPT as a companion for learning, not a shortcut. Ask them to explain what they've learned in their own words. If they can do that, they're using the tool well.

How to talk to your child about AI

You don't need to panic—or become a tech expert overnight. What matters most is keeping the conversation open and judgment-free.

Start with simple, curious questions:

"What do you usually use ChatGPT for?"
"Has it ever said something strange or confusing?"
"Do you ever ask it about things you wouldn't ask me?"

These aren't about control—they're about connection. When you stay curious instead of critical, your child is more likely to talk to you if something feels off.

Let them know it's okay to explore—and that it's also okay to ask questions when they're not sure.

Smart safety tips for parents

If your child turns to ChatGPT constantly—even for simple questions—it might be time to talk about screen balance and encourage other ways to be curious or creative.

A few things that can help:

Set limits on time and topics. AI shouldn't become the go-to for every question, especially emotional ones.
Keep devices in shared spaces. It's easier to stay aware of how tools are being used when you're in the same room.
Talk about privacy early and often. Kids should never share personal details like their name, school, or photos in a chat.
Use parental controls when needed. A tool like Bitdefender Parental Control can help you with internet time limits, content filters, location tracking, and insights into your child's online activities without hovering.

You don't need to be worried—but you do need to be involved.

ChatGPT isn't dangerous on its own. Like any tool, it can be used well—or misused. With your guidance, it can help your child learn, grow, and stay curious. Without support, it may become confusing or lead to shortcuts that don't serve them in the long run.

So keep the conversation going. Stay open. And remind your child that no chatbot—no matter how clever—can replace the people who love them most.

FAQs

Should I let my kid use ChatGPT?

It depends on your child's age, maturity, and how involved you can be. ChatGPT isn't designed for children, and most platforms require users to be 13 or older. For kids under 16, it's best to supervise their use closely and set clear rules.

ChatGPT can be a helpful tool for learning and creativity, but it's not a replacement for human support or guidance. If you decide to allow it, talk to your child about what's appropriate to ask, what not to share, and why it's important to check any answers it gives.

Are AI chatbots safe for kids?

AI chatbots like ChatGPT are not built specifically for children. While safety filters help reduce risky content, they aren't perfect. Kids might receive confusing or inaccurate information, or treat the chatbot like a friend or therapist—which it's not.

There's also no strong age verification system in place, so it's up to parents to monitor use. With your guidance, older kids and teens can use AI tools safely. For younger children, it's usually better to wait or explore kid-friendly alternatives designed with safety in mind.

Can teachers tell if you use ChatGPT?

Sometimes, yes. If a student copies answers word-for-word or turns in work that doesn't match their usual style, teachers may notice. Some schools also use plagiarism or AI-detection tools, though these are not always accurate.

That's why it's important to teach kids to use ChatGPT as a support tool, not a shortcut. It can help with brainstorming, practice, or explanations—but the thinking and writing should still be their own.

How can I find out what my child is talking to ChatGPT about?

Start with a conversation. Ask your child what they've been using ChatGPT for and what kinds of questions they've asked. Keep the tone curious, not critical.

If your child is using ChatGPT through a browser or app, you can check their device's chat history or browsing history. Some platforms allow you to view recent conversations if your child is logged in.

For more peace of mind, consider using parental control tools which can help you monitor app usage and set boundaries while still respecting your child's space.