Chatbots and Children: What Every Parent Needs to Know

Chatbots and Children: What Every Parent Needs to Know

In this episode of 'Navigating the Digital Jungle with Sue Atkins and Friends,' Sue Atkins is joined by online safety expert Andrew Briercliffe and 'Her Tech Life' podcast host Kat Cauchi to discuss the impact of AI chatbots on children's lives. 

They explore the benefits and risks of virtual assistants and conversational AI, focusing on their influence on kids' learning, social interactions, and privacy. They also provide practical tips for parents on managing and guiding their children's interaction with AI technologies. 

Additionally, Angeline Corvaglia shares insights into the emotional dangers posed by AI chatbots, making a case for the importance of real human connections. 

We shine the spotlight on another great podcast this week: Her Tech Life Podcast. More info below

The episode concludes with advice for fostering open communication at home and promoting digital literacy.

00:00 Introduction to Navigating the Digital Jungle

00:35 The Role of AI Chatbots in Children's Lives

01:35 Impact of Chatbots on Social Skills and Privacy

03:18 Virtual Assistants vs. Chatbots

04:13 Real-Life Dangers of AI Chatbots

04:55 Chatbots in Education

06:20 Red Flags for Parents

08:29 Practical Tips for Parents and Schools

09:34 The Importance of Critical Thinking

26:02 Family Change Idea of the Week

27:24 Listener Questions and Weekly Tips

30:48 About the New Book: Navigating the Digital Jungle

32:26 Spotlight on Her Tech Life Podcast

40:54 Script of the Week: Chatbot Conversations

43:01 Conclusion and Sponsor Message

Sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by GigabitIQ. 

GigabitIQ is revolutionising the internet experience with gigabit-fast speeds and award-winning online safety features. With innovative tools like FamilyGuard Plus and CyberGuard Plus, GigabitIQ helps protect your home and loved ones from digital threats, ensuring a safer online environment for everyone. Ready to upgrade your connection and prioritise your family’s online safety?

Visit gigabitiq.com to experience the speed you need with the safety you trust.

‘The PIG’ – The Problem of Immediate Gratification & What to Do About It!

https://navigatingthedigitaljungle.com/navigating-the-digital-jungle-the-pig-the-

problem-of-immediate-gratification-what-to-do-about-it/

For parents looking for more in-depth guidance, check out our Navigating the Digital

Jungle Guides. You’ll find practical advice, safety checklists, and conversation

starters on managing chatbots, smart assistants, and other AI tools that are

becoming a part of everyday life. Visit

https://navigatingthedigitaljungle.com/chatbots-and-children-what-every-parent-

needs-to-know-navigating-the-digital-jungle-with-scripts-to-start-conversations/ to get

started!

More resources

navigatingthedigitaljungle.com/resources

For detailed insights, follow Angeline on LinkedIn

And find Andy on Linkedin here

And Kat here 

Check out the Common Sense Media AI and Children resource https://www.commonsensemedia.org/ for helpful reviews and guidelines.

AI Chatbots: Who’s Behind the Screen? Why are AI chatbots designed

to sound so human-like, and how can that impact our everyday lives?

https://www.commonsense.org/education/digital-citizenship/lesson/ai-chatbots-

whos-behind-the-screen

Raising Humans in a Digital World: Helping Kids Build a Healthy

Relationship with Technology by Diana Graber find out more here https://www.amazon.co.uk/Raising-Humans-Digital-World-

Relationship/dp/0814439799

Podcast in the Spotlight: Her Tech Life with Kat Cauchi

Her Tech Life is all about empowering women and girls to explore the world of technology.

Hosted by Kat Cauchi, the podcast highlights inspiring stories, practical advice, and conversations with trailblazing women in tech with a focus on inspiring women and girls to embrace the digital world. 

Whether you're a parent, mentor, or tech enthusiast, this podcast offers fresh perspectives and real stories to empower and inform.

https://www.netsupportsoftware.com/?s=podcast

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgyyE3qHAKR9Rzjes1nRM9CF6m1gGvRuO