In this episode, Hannah talks with Sarah Dooley, founder of AI Empowered Mom, about the do’s and don’ts of AI with children. Sarah shares why parents shouldn't wait to start talking about AI, how to explain that AI isn't a person or a friend, why AI literacy starts with parents themselves, and which emerging AI tools she considers off-limits for her own family.
- AI is already embedded in many of the technologies families use every day.
- It may communicate like a person, but it's a machine—not a friend or family member.
- Technology and its risks are changing too quickly for a one-time conversation about safety.
- Before teaching children about AI, parents should understand what these tools can and can't do.
- Generative AI can be excellent at creating content, but factual information needs to be checked by a human.
- Sarah recommends maintaining a boundary between children and AI companionship until stronger safety assurances exist.
- Struggling with problems and navigating difficult situations are important parts of development, and AI can sometimes remove too much of that friction.
- Because the AI landscape changes rapidly, parents need to continually reassess the tools their children encounter.
“This isn't a member of our family. This isn't our friend. This is a thinking machine that helps our family.”
“When it comes to facts, you have to check them. You have to have a human in the loop.”
“We try and keep a little bit of friction in our kids' lives and make parents' lives a little bit easier.”
- AI Empowered Mom— Sarah Dooley's work helping parents and caregivers use AI safely and responsibly to lighten the mental load.
- Common Sense Media — A resource Sarah recommends for researching technology, AI tools, and family technology decisions.
- Digital Mom — Another resource Sarah mentions using when evaluating technology for her family.
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