The Hidden World of AI: What Parents Need to Know About the Apps and Websites Kids Are Using
Artificial Intelligence (AI) isn’t just shaping the world of business and tech — it’s rapidly making its way into the everyday apps and websites that our children use. From chatbots to creative tools to search engines, AI is becoming part of how young people learn, play, and interact online.
While AI can be helpful and fun, it also brings new risks — especially for children aged 8-12 who may not yet fully understand what AI is, how it works, or how easily it can blur the lines between reality and fiction.
The Growing Risk of AI ‘Friendships’
One of the biggest concerns is that AI chatbots can appear friendly, supportive, and even caring — leading children to form emotional attachments or dependencies without realising they are talking to a machine, not a person.
These AI companions often seem harmless on the surface. But they can:
- Provide incorrect or misleading information
- Lack true understanding of feelings and emotions
- Encourage a child to turn to them for advice instead of friends, family, or trusted adults
- In some cases, expose children to inappropriate content
As parents, awareness is key — and it starts with knowing where your child might be interacting with AI.
Popular Apps and Websites Using AI
Here’s a helpful breakdown of some of the most common apps, websites, and platforms that use AI — many of which your child might already be exploring:
AI Chatbots & Companions
- Replika – Marketed as a virtual friend or companion, but can quickly become inappropriate
- Character.AI – Chat with AI-generated characters; some conversations are unmoderated
- Chai AI – AI chatbot platform with mixed, often unfiltered, content
- Cleverbot – Classic chatbot designed for general conversations
Homework & Research Tools
- ChatGPT (OpenAI) – AI chatbot often used for writing help or homework support
- Google Bard / Gemini – AI-powered conversational search from Google
- Perplexity AI – AI search engine providing conversational answers
Social Media & Creative Tools with AI Features
- Snapchat – The ‘My AI’ chatbot is built into the app, often mistaken for a real friend
- Instagram & Facebook – AI drives filters, recommendations, and suggested content
- TikTok – AI personalises content and powers editing tools
- Lensa AI – AI app creating artistic avatars from selfies
- Dream by Wombo – AI art generator popular with younger users
Gaming & AI
- Roblox – Some games and content on Roblox use AI; moderation varies
- AI Dungeon – AI-powered text adventure game where children can write their own story
- Fortnite & Minecraft Mods – Some mods incorporate AI features or content creation
Other AI Tools Kids Might Explore
- YouChat – ChatGPT-style AI assistant built into a search engine
- Quillbot – AI writing tool often used for paraphrasing
- Grammarly – AI-based grammar and writing assistant
What Can Parents Do?
The good news is, with the right approach, parents can help children navigate AI safely.
1. Find Out if Your Child is Using AI Chatbots or Tools
Ask questions. Stay curious. AI tools often appear inside other apps (like Snapchat) or websites, so children might not even realise they’re interacting with AI.
2. Explain the Difference Between AI and Real People
Use simple analogies to help them understand:
“Talking to an AI is like chatting to a really clever parrot — it can sound smart, but it doesn’t truly understand you.”
Compare AI to a teddy bear or a video game character — fun, but not real friends or reliable sources of advice.
Final Thoughts
AI isn’t going away — but with the right conversations, boundaries, and understanding, we can help our children explore technology with curiosity and confidence, while staying safe and grounded in the real world.
If you’d like more support with managing AI, screen time, or online safety, check out our latest resources at Digital Parent Club — or drop me a message anytime.
Together, we can help our children grow up safe, informed, and ready for the digital world.