What you need to know about Google’s new chatbot for kids

Gemini will soon be accessible for children under the age of 13 - and you're not alone if you have concerns.

Let’s face it, AI is already completely unavoidable.

It’s the first thing all of us see when we open our emails or social media, and for many it’s even become the first place you go to ask questions - whether they be factual or personal.

And although social media is set to be banned from kids, Google has made it very clear this week that AI is an exception, launching the ability for their AI chatbot, Gemini, to be accessed by children under the age of 13.

The launch has not only raised concerns from parents, but also from experts saying it’s officially gone too far, too soon.

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AI for kids?

Google has announced that its Gemini AI chatbot will be rolled out for Australian children under the age of 13 in the coming months.

The change has also gone into effect in the US, with a global launch set to come into effect soon - though no date has been specified.

According to Google’s support website, parents will be able to manage their child’s Gemini settings - including turning it on and off - with Google Family Link.

When it’s turned on, they will be able to have candid conversations with the chatbot, experiment with weird prompts, and even get help with writing, brainstorming and learning - as long as it’s all taken with a grain of salt.

Why is this dangerous?

Well, the Google site says it itself - ‘Gemini is new and evolving, and can make mistakes’.

Google encourages parents to help their child think critically about Gemini’s responses, by helping them understand that Gemini isn’t human, showing them how to double-check responses, and letting them know not to enter sensitive or personal information into Gemini.

But, is that really good enough?

In the OpenAI FAQs, the site specifically says that ChatGPT - a Gemini rival - is not meant for children under 13, requiring that those aged 13-18 obtain parental consent before using it.

Parents have therefore been left asking - what makes this any different, and how is it okay?

The Kidspot team weighs in

Kidspot’s team of mums shared a few different concerns around young children having access to AI - particularly when Google says that though their filters try to limit access to inappropriate content, they’re not perfect, and children ‘may encounter content you don’t want them to see’.

“I don't understand what use anyone under 13 would have for AI. Social media has impacted them enough. I can't imagine how it will improve their ability to socialise and think critically,” Lauren said.

“I am a bit nervous about this to be honest. I don't let my kids use ChatGPT or anything like that so I would want to know what kind of restrictions will be in place to protect the content that is delivered to them through it,” Leah agreed.

“I don’t like it at all. I don’t even like the thought of a 13yo using it,” said Emily.

Originally published as What you need to know about Google’s new chatbot for kids