Technology is advancing faster than ever, and it’s changing the world our kids are growing up in. AI is now a part of their everyday lives - from the way they learn and play to how we raise and protect them. Recently, on The AI Grapple podcast, I spoke with Stephanie Worrell, a communications expert, educator, and founder of AI Empower You. Stephanie’s mission? To help parents, educators, and kids make sense of this new world with AI - and learn to use it wisely.
In our conversation, Stephanie shared insights on introducing AI to children in a way that feels both responsible and empowering. With a focus on data privacy, critical thinking, and personalised learning, her approach balances excitement about technology with a grounded understanding of its challenges.
Starting Young: When Should We Talk to Kids About AI?
Stephanie’s advice for parents is to start early - ideally around the age of five. It’s not about giving kids access to advanced tools; rather, it’s about making them aware of the technology they’re already encountering. From Siri and Alexa to interactive games, AI is around them in small, everyday ways. Stephanie believes that kids who understand this early are better equipped to handle more complex AI as they grow.
Her message here really resonated with me: AI should enhance, not replace. Kids need to think, create, and solve problems independently. Stephanie’s advice to parents is to treat AI as a guide, a support for learning and creativity - not as a shortcut.
Privacy in an AI World: Keeping Kids’ Data Safe
Privacy is one of the biggest concerns parents have about AI, and it’s a valid one. Stephanie stressed how AI, much like social media, collects data - sometimes without us even noticing. Teaching kids about privacy from a young age is as important as teaching them about other online safety habits.
Stephanie shared her surprise at learning how even some teachers weren’t aware of how much data AI platforms collect. Her advice is simple: approach AI privacy just as you would with social media. Remind kids that once information is shared online, it can be difficult to control. Developing this habit of privacy is a simple, powerful way to protect kids as they navigate the digital world.
Recognising AI Bias and Spotting Deep Fakes: Teaching Critical Thinkers
AI isn’t neutral. Stephanie and I discussed how even the algorithms behind a music app or a school tool can subtly influence young users, often reinforcing certain patterns. Teaching children to ask, “Is this information accurate?” or “Why was I shown this?” encourages them to think critically about AI.
One topic Stephanie emphasised was deep fakes. Kids - like all of us - need to know that some images, videos, and stories they see online might not be real. By teaching them to question what they see and fact-check information is a skill they’ll need now more than ever.
How AI Could Transform Education for the Better
AI’s potential in education is huge. Teachers could use AI to create individualised lessons that cater to how each student learns best. Stephanie envisions a future where teachers could use AI to spot knowledge gaps in real time, adapting lessons as students’ needs evolve.
However, many schools are still figuring out how to manage AI’s impact. Stephanie shared how some, lacking clear policies, have even banned AI. Yet, she strongly believes that with the right guidelines, AI can enhance education. It’s about partnership - parents and educators working together to make AI a supportive tool in the classroom.
Practical Tips for Using AI With Kids
Stephanie’s approach is all about “guardrails” - setting boundaries for how kids use AI. Rather than letting them use AI independently, she recommends that parents stay involved, whether it’s for homework help or creative projects. For example, when a child uses AI for a school project, parents can guide them on how to prompt AI to get ideas but still complete the work themselves.
Her advice for parents is to encourage kids to fact-check the information AI provides. “Always ask where the information came from,” she says. This habit not only supports critical thinking but builds a foundation for responsible research and learning.
Key Takeaways
Start AI conversations with children as early as age five to foster understanding and encourage independent thinking.
Teach kids about data privacy, treating AI interactions with the same caution as social media.
Encourage children to recognise AI biases, question information accuracy, and be aware of deep fakes.
Partner with educators to thoughtfully integrate AI into schools, supporting personalised learning while valuing traditional skills.
Set guardrails for children’s AI use, ensuring it serves as a helpful partner in learning and creativity while promoting fact-checking.
Stay tuned for more insights and practical advice on The AI Grapple, where we tackle the latest in AI developments and their impact on parenting, education, and beyond.
Resources Mentioned:
AI-MPOWERU - Stephanie’s platform for AI education resources for parents and educators (www.aimpoweru.com)
Raising AI-Smart Kids - Stephanie’s guide for parents on introducing AI in age-appropriate ways.