AI, Chatbots & Deepfakes

Understanding Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming part of everyday life. Many children and young people already use AI to help with homework, answer questions, create images, write stories or search for information.

AI is also built into many of the apps and devices children already use, often without them realising it.

Used well, AI can support learning, creativity and problem-solving. However, like any technology, it also brings new risks that parents and carers should be aware of.

AI Chatbots Are Becoming Part of Children’s Lives

Many AI chatbots are designed to have natural conversations. They may sound friendly, remember previous conversations and appear interested in what a child has to say.

For some children, particularly those who are lonely, anxious or neurodivergent, it can become easy to see an AI chatbot as a friend rather than a piece of technology.

It is important to remind children that:

  • AI is not a real person
  • AI does not have feelings or emotions
  • AI does not truly understand your child
  • AI cannot replace trusted adults, friends or family
  • AI may sometimes give incorrect, inappropriate or unsafe advice

Children should always be encouraged to seek important advice from real people who know them and care about them.

Encourage Healthy AI Habits

AI should be viewed as a useful tool rather than a companion.

Encourage your child to:

  • use AI to support learning rather than replace it
  • question the answers AI provides
  • spend time with family and friends away from screens
  • take regular breaks from technology
  • talk to real people when they need advice or support

If you notice your child spending increasing amounts of time talking to AI chatbots instead of interacting with family or friends, it may be helpful to start a conversation about how they are feeling and why they enjoy using AI.

AI Can Be Wrong

One of the biggest misconceptions about AI is that it always gives the correct answer.

In reality, AI can:

  • make up facts
  • provide inaccurate information
  • misunderstand questions
  • confidently give incorrect advice
  • produce biased responses

Encourage your child to think critically and check important information using trusted sources such as teachers, textbooks or reputable websites.

Protect Personal Information

Children should never enter personal or sensitive information into an AI chatbot.

This includes:

  • their full name
  • home address
  • school name
  • passwords
  • phone number
  • photographs
  • medical information
  • personal information about friends or family

Many AI services store conversations to help improve their systems, so children should treat AI chatbots in the same way they would treat conversations with strangers online.

AI and Schoolwork

Many schools now encourage pupils to use AI appropriately to support learning.

AI can help children:

  • understand difficult concepts
  • revise topics
  • plan ideas
  • improve their writing
  • practise quizzes

However, it should not be used to complete work on their behalf or replace independent thinking.

Children should always follow their school’s expectations regarding the use of AI.

Understanding Deepfakes

AI can now create realistic photos, videos and audio recordings that appear genuine.These are often called deepfakes.

There is further information about where AI has been used to generate nude and semi nude images on its own dedicated page. 

Deepfakes may be used:

  • for entertainment
  • to spread false information
  • to impersonate someone
  • to embarrass or bully others
  • to create convincing scams

As this technology becomes more common, it is increasingly important to teach children to question what they see online.

Helping Your Child Think Critically

Encourage your child to ask questions such as:

  • Who created this?
  • Can I trust the source?
  • Has this been reported elsewhere?
  • Could this have been edited or created using AI?
  • Does this seem believable?

Developing critical thinking skills is one of the best ways to help children stay safe online.

If Your Child Becomes Upset by AI

If your child tells you that an AI chatbot has:

  • made them feel worried
  • encouraged risky behaviour
  • given harmful advice
  • become upsetting or frightening

listen calmly and reassure them.

Encourage them to stop using the chatbot and discuss what happened together.

If you have safeguarding concerns about any online service, contact the school for advice or seek support from the organisations listed below.

Remember

Artificial Intelligence is becoming an important part of education, work and everyday life.

The goal is not to stop children using AI, but to help them use it safely, responsibly and critically.

The most valuable guidance your child will ever receive comes from trusted adults who know and care about them.

Useful external links

Internet Matters – Generative AI Hub

Advice for parents about AI, chatbots, deepfakes, opportunities and risks.

https://www.internetmatters.org/hub/technology/generative-ai/

Childnet – Artificial Intelligence

Guidance on helping children use AI safely and responsibly.

https://www.childnet.com/help-and-advice/artificial-intelligence-ai/

NSPCC – Online Safety

Practical advice about keeping children safe online, including emerging technologies.

https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/

Thinkuknow (CEOP) – Parents

Advice from the National Crime Agency on emerging online risks and keeping children safe.

https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/

UK Safer Internet Centre

Resources to help families understand digital technologies, online safety and media literacy.

https://saferinternet.org.uk/guide-and-resource/parents-and-carers