On Safer Internet Day, cybersecurity experts from Kaspersky are providing crucial guidance on making AI for children safer as Generation Alpha increasingly interacts with artificial intelligence tools. Born between 2010 and 2025, these digital natives are using smartphones, tablets, and AI-powered platforms with remarkable confidence, but concerns are growing about whether children are being given access to powerful technology too soon.
Gen Alpha children have already discovered that ChatGPT, DeepSeek, and other neural networks can answer questions faster than traditional search engines, while voice assistants like Alexa can play music without pressing a single button. This seamless integration of AI into daily life presents both opportunities and challenges for parents and educators.
Building AI Awareness as the First Defense
The foundation of protecting children in the AI era starts with education. Parents should explain that digital assistants aren’t friends, pets, or real people—they’re sophisticated tools that can be helpful but also potentially misleading, biased, or incorrect. Teaching children to cross-check information with multiple sources, similar to verifying facts in school projects, is essential.
When discussing AI for children, experts emphasize that young users should never fully trust AI answers, especially regarding sensitive topics like health, mental wellbeing, or safety concerns. Parents must encourage verification of information and stress that personal details or documents should never be shared with AI systems.
Enabling Safety Filters and Parental Controls
Most AI platforms and smart devices include built-in safety features that are often overlooked. Parents should review privacy settings and content filters, tailoring them to match family values and their child’s maturity level. This provides basic protection against inappropriate content, privacy breaches, and harmful interactions.
However, not all services provide comprehensive content filtering options. Kaspersky recommends using parental control tools like Kaspersky Safe Kids, which allows parents to hide inappropriate content, prevent specific apps and websites from opening, and manage screen time effectively.
Verifying AI-Powered App Authenticity
With AI applications emerging rapidly, verifying app authenticity has become essential. Parents should only download apps from official stores and teach children not to install anything from unfamiliar sources. Researching the company behind an app, checking for a legitimate website and business presence, and limiting app permissions are crucial steps in maintaining digital safety.
Staying Involved in Your Child’s Digital Journey
Understanding the range of problems children are willing to entrust to AI for children is significant. By asking simple questions like “What did you ask AI today?” or “Did it give you the right answer?”, parents can teach children to openly discuss their AI usage and any problems they encounter.
“When you actively participate in your child’s AI journey, you transform from a concerned parent into a trusted guide. They’ll seek your input because they know you’re interested in their digital experiences, not just trying to control them. But while allowing children some AI freedom, you must always remain vigilant about their online safety and healthy growth.”
Andrey Sidenko, Cyber Literacy Projects Lead at Kaspersky
Kaspersky, founded in 1997, is a global cybersecurity and digital privacy company that has protected over a billion devices from emerging cyber threats and targeted attacks. The company’s comprehensive security portfolio includes specialized products for individuals, businesses, and critical infrastructure worldwide.
