Apps

ChatGPT

Medium risk

An AI chatbot that can be helpful for learning but also blurs the line between support, shortcut, and authority.

Start here — 3 things to do today

  1. 1

    Turn off training usage

    Settings → Data Controls → Improve the model → OFF so conversations are not used to improve the model.

  2. 2

    Disable Memory

    Settings → Personalization → Memory → OFF if you want fewer saved details across chats.

  3. 3

    Agree on school rules first

    Check your child's school AI policy and write simple family rules for homework, citations, and when AI help is allowed.

What parents worry about most

The goal with ChatGPT is usually honest use, not blocking. Children need rules about what the tool can help with and what still has to be their own work.

The one thing to do right now

A clear family rule about homework and fact-checking is usually more effective than trying to ban the tool entirely.

Risk level

LowMediumHighCritical

Age rating

13+ official

Users

Massive student and adult user base

Platform

Web, iOS, Android

Age recommendation

Best used with clear rules about homework and fact-checking

None

Social exposure

High

Academic risk

Moderate

Content risk

Emerging

Emotional dependency

Warning signs

Warning signs to know

Jailbreak prompts to bypass safeguards

High

Children can find or share prompt tricks that try to unlock unsafe, biased, or age-inappropriate responses.

Academic cheating

High

The tool can write essays, solve homework, and produce polished answers faster than a parent or teacher may notice.

Emotional over-reliance

Medium

Some children may begin to use the chatbot as a substitute for real support, feedback, or social contact.

Confident misinformation

Medium

ChatGPT can sound certain while still being wrong, which is risky when a child treats it like a search engine plus tutor.

Conversation data retention

Low

If settings stay at the default, children may share personal details without understanding how their conversations are stored.

Step-by-step guide

Complete step-by-step guide

  1. 1

    Turn off training usage

    Settings → Data Controls → Improve the model → OFF so conversations are not used to improve the model.

  2. 2

    Disable Memory

    Settings → Personalization → Memory → OFF if you want fewer saved details across chats.

  3. 3

    Agree on school rules first

    Check your child's school AI policy and write simple family rules for homework, citations, and when AI help is allowed.

  4. 4

    Teach that the model can make things up

    Use a few test questions together and verify the answers so your child sees that fluent does not always mean correct.

  5. 5

    Disable optional browsing tools if enabled

    Settings → Beta Features and turn off extras you do not want the child using independently.

  6. 6

    Use it together for the first week

    Sit with your child for early sessions so they learn how to ask for help, verify answers, and stop when the tool becomes a shortcut.