Google is preparing to allow children access to its Gemini AI apps on supervised Android devices, according to a report from The New York Times. Parents using Google’s Family Link controls have started receiving emails informing them of the upcoming change.
Children will be able to use Gemini to get help with tasks like homework or to have stories read to them. Google emphasizes that, like its Education Workspace accounts, children’s data will not be used to train the AI. However, the company also cautions that Gemini can make mistakes, and children might see content that parents find inappropriate.
While some AI slip-ups are harmless—like suggesting glue as a pizza topping—others raise more serious concerns. Platforms like Character.ai have faced criticism after some young users mistook chatbots for real people. Following legal action over inappropriate content, Character.ai introduced stricter safeguards and parental controls.
To help avoid confusion, Google urges parents to talk with their kids about the nature of AI: it’s not a human and shouldn’t be trusted with sensitive information.
Children under 13 will be able to turn on Gemini themselves within Family Link. Parents retain full control and can disable access at any time. Google spokesperson Karl Ryan told The Verge that parents will also receive a notification the first time their child uses Gemini.
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