ChatGPT: empowering youth to use it ethically and safely

It seems like everyone is talking about ChatGPT– it is the metaphorical cool kid on the block that can help decide what you should have for dinner, translate your presentation into another language, and help you find a user manual for your Bluetooth speaker all in under a minute. So interesting in fact, that many kids are trying it out for themselves.

Kids today are not only digital natives but also – often without even realizing – Artificial Intelligence (AI) natives, interacting with machine learning on a daily basis. From asking Google to play a song to selecting from a curated set of YouTube recommended videos, tasks like these prime kids to be comfortable with the concept of AI. In fact, a study done at MIT found that children, aged 3-10 often had trouble distinguishing between AI and members of their families.

Concerning? Yes, however, instead of staging a boycott on AI, the ChatGPT buzz presents an opportunity to have open, age-appropriate, and ongoing conversations with the children in your life about AI, including tools like ChatGPT.

Why teach kids about AI/ChatGPT

• Build technological literacy. With tools like ChatGPT becoming more commonplace, it’s important to ensure youth know not only what they are, but also how to use these tools safely and ethically. This knowledge can help set them up for success, similar to how previous generations had an advantage when they learned to use new and emerging computer programs.
• Develop critical thinking and misinformation awareness. It is important to evaluate everything ChatGPT says and keep in mind that sometimes it is just plain wrong. As of today, it only ‘knows’ information up until September 2021. Building good fact-checking habits and learning about recognizing biases are essential.
• Create excitement! ChatGPT and other AI tools can be great ways to nurture a child’s relationship with learning. ChatGPT can create individualized learning opportunities for kids based on their specific interests and skill levels.
• Access information. It's hard to be an expert on all of the things youth are interested in, from dinosaurs to space and beyond. With ChatGPT, you can access simple, age-appropriate, answers to children's questions.

Tips and considerations for talking to youth about ChatGPT

• ChatGPT is a great learning tool, not a great cheating tool. Introduce or revisit the meaning of plagiarism (when you claim that someone’s, or an AI’s work was created by you).
• Data privacy and safety. Your data is precious and important to protect. It’s unclear what happens to data that is typed into ChatGPT, so it is important to not share any sensitive data.
• ChatGPT’s answers are unsourced summaries. Discuss how to use the internet for research and make sure we are relying on accurate information.
• How can we use ChatGPT as a group? Which things should we get help from AI on and which are better for us to use our own creativity?

While ChatGPT’s parent company Open AI’s policy does say that the program is for those 18+, there is no verification process preventing children from accessing it. If you do create an account with your child, consider making a family login so you have access to all queries and responses.

As adults, it's our responsibility to help youth have a safe and positive experience with technology. By establishing clear rules and responsibilities and having ongoing conversations that integrate new technology like ChatGPT into the overall conversation about internet safety, we can help youth navigate the digital world with confidence and knowledge.

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