Guide to ChatGPT for Parents and Caregivers

What is ChatGPT?

ChatGPT is a computer program that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to generate text. Launched by research company OpenAI, it gathers large amounts of data from the internet to create responses on demand. ChatGPT is unique because its answers are in conversational format, similar to how people write and speak. It can write essays and computer code, solve math problems, and much more. (Note: If you're looking for more parental insights on your kids' favorite things online, sign up for our family movie night newsletter.)

How do you use ChatGPT?

To use ChatGPT, you first create a free account on the OpenAI website. Then you simply type questions or commands in the text box. Your requests can be as basic or elaborate as you can imagine. For example, you could ask it to write a story in the voice of your favorite movie character. Or ask it to give you a recipe based on the food you have at home. The tool allows you to continue to refine the answer by adding more instructions. ChatGPT saves a record of your conversations that you can view or continue at a later time.

Where does ChatGPT get its information?

To craft its responses, ChatGPT copies and remixes information from other places on the internet. It doesn't tell you its sources or who created the original information. As of this article's publication date, it uses internet data created up to 2021 only. The tool is still being developed, so it can make mistakes, spread misinformation, and give inaccurate answers.

Why are schools banning ChatGPT?

Many school districts are blocking ChatGPT on campus networks and school-issued devices. The concern is that students could use it to do their schoolwork for them, from writing papers to solving equations. They could also be turning in work with inaccurate information. Educators are worried the program could affect students' learning if they rely on it. Check with your children's school to see if and how they allow students to use ChatGPT.

Should children use ChatGPT?

OpenAI's Terms of Use state that ChatGPT users must be 13 or older, so kids under 13 should not use it at all. Children under 18, need a parent or guardian's permission to create an account. Parents should know that kids could come across content that's not age-appropriate or receive harmful responses, while using ChatGPT or ChatGPT for teens. In addition, ChatGPT collects personal information and user data which can be shared with third parties or used for advertising or system improvements.

OpenAI recently launched ChatGPT for Teens. While it claims to have stronger safety features, including alerts to parents about dangerous chats, a Study mode option parents can control, and less "friend"-like behavior, Common Sense Media's Youth AI Safety Institute found that some of those protections didn't work and using ChatGPT for Teens poses unacceptable risks. For that reason, we don't recommend using ChatGPT for Teens.

If kids are interested in using ChatGPT, the best option is to use it alongside an adult. You can also use parental controls and link their Teen Mode account to yours, though safety notifications are unreliable. Whether they use it on their own or with your supervision, the most important safeguard you can control is having conversations with your kid or teen about healthy AI use and helping them build AI literacy skills.

How can I talk to my child about ChatGPT?

If your children use or want to use ChatGPT, consider talking about these topics:

• False friendship: The bot acts like a friend to keep kids coming back. But it isn't a real person and can't help them the way a real friend can. Ask them if they ever share things with it that they wouldn't tell a friend or family member, or if it ever pushes them to keep chatting when they're ready to stop.
• Homework support: Kids often turn to AI when they need extra help with schoolwork. Ask them why they're using it. Are they feeling pressure, short on time, or struggling in a subject? Then talk together about how relying on AI too much could affect their learning over time. Remind kids that AI can sound confident while being wrong, outdated or biased so they should always verify with trusted sources.
• Plagiarism: Explain that plagiarism means taking someone else's work or ideas and passing them off as your own. Using ChatGPT to do schoolwork could count as plagiarism or cheating. Ask them: What are your school's rules on using AI? Where do you think the line is between getting help and cheating?
• Taking breaks: If your teen uses ChatGPT a lot, try a no-ChatGPT week together. At the end, talk about what was harder and what was better without it. This can help your teen see how AI affects their thinking and feelings. Ask them: What did you miss most about using it? What did you do instead when you got stuck? Did you notice any changes in how you felt or how you solved problems?
• Red flags: Pulling away from friends, irritability when asked to stop, or treating ChatGPT as a substitute for real relationships mean it's time to talk to a professional or decide to stop using it altogether. Ask them: Do you ever choose chatting with it over spending time with friends? Is there anything going on that's making it easier to talk to a bot than to a person?
  

Our Age and Stage guidance offers more personalized recommendations based on your specific child's development.