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Lesson 5 of 7 · about 5 minutes

Using AI safely and kindly

The big idea: Ask a grown-up before you use an AI app. Keep private things private, check what AI tells you, and never use AI to trick or hurt anyone.

Ask a grown-up first

AI apps and services have rules about who may use them. Some are only for grown-ups. A parent, caregiver, or teacher can help you choose one that fits your age. They can also help you set it up safely.

Keep private things private

What you type into an AI app may be saved. Some companies use chats to train their AI. Sometimes people who work there can read chats too. So never type these things:

  • Your full name, home address, or school.
  • Your phone number or passwords.
  • Photos of you or your friends.
  • Anything you would not want a stranger to read.

Check, then trust

AI can be wrong. For homework or anything important, check facts in a trusted book or website. You can also ask your teacher.

Good questions to ask: How do I know this is true? Where did this come from?

Be kind and honest

AI can make fake pictures, videos, and voices that look and sound real. These are sometimes called deepfakes.

Never make fake pictures or voices of real people. Never use AI to bully, trick, or embarrass anyone.

If you see something online that seems fake or makes you uncomfortable, tell a trusted grown-up.

If you use AI for schoolwork, follow your teacher's rules. Say when you used it.

Try this: Make a family AI plan

  1. With a grown-up, write three rules for using AI at home.
  2. Here is an example: "We ask before trying a new AI app."
  3. Put your plan somewhere you will see it.

Remember

  • Ask a grown-up before using an AI app.
  • Never share private information like your address, school, or passwords.
  • Use AI kindly and honestly, and tell a grown-up if something online upsets you.

Quick quiz

Pick an answer to see if you got it. Nothing is saved.

  1. 1.A chatbot asks for your home address. What do you do?
  2. 2.What is a deepfake?
  3. 3.You used AI to help brainstorm a story for school. What is the honest thing to do?

0 of 3 answered.

For grown-ups: sources and going further

Data use differs by product and settings: consumer chat apps often train on chats unless you opt out, and providers' staff may read some chats. Check each service's terms for its minimum age before a child uses it; for example, Google's Gemini API terms require users to be 18 or older. There is no single reliable test for AI-made images, which is why the lesson stresses asking and checking.

Written for readers about 8 to 12, last reviewed 2026-10-11. How these lessons were made.