Bulletins

AI is becoming part of everyday life, and many families are wondering how to use it safely. This bulletin offers simple ways to talk about AI, check information, protect privacy and practice using AI together for everyday tasks like making lists, preparing for appointments or planning routines. It also encourages families to stay curious, ask questions and keep conversations going as AI tools continue to change.

Prepared by Informing Families in collaboration with foundry10.

Artifical Intelligence (AI) tools are becoming more common online and in everyday life. Families can build habits that help them use these tools safely and confidently.

AI tools can create writing, pictures, videos, and even voices that may seem real. As these tools become more common, families may have questions about online safety and how to know whether information is trustworthy. Learning a few simple habits can help families feel more confident when using AI.

AI can get things wrong

AI tools can sometimes give answers that sound correct even when the information is wrong or made up. An AI tool may create false facts, mix up details, or give confusing advice. This is one reason why it is important to slow down and ask questions when using AI.

It can be helpful to pause before believing or sharing information online. Families can work together to check important facts and talk through anything that feels confusing or unclear. Reading more than one source or talking with someone you trust can help people figure out whether information is accurate.

This is especially important for health and disability-related questions. Families may turn to AI for information about medications, diagnoses, or support services. AI can be a starting point, but it is always best to check that information with a healthcare provider or trusted support person before acting on it.

Not everything online is real

AI can now create pictures, videos, and voices that look or sound very realistic. Sometimes these images or videos are meant to entertain people. Other times, they may be used to confuse or hurt others.

If something online seems hard to believe, families can pause before reacting or sharing it. It may help to look at where the picture, video, or story originally came from. Families can also compare information across different websites or ask a trusted person for help understanding what they are seeing.

Protecting your family’s privacy online

As families explore AI tools, it is important to talk about what information should stay private. Some AI tools may save the information people type into them.

Families can help loved ones stay safe by:

► Reminding children, teens, and adults to be careful about sharing personal information online.

► Avoiding sharing private details such as passwords, home addresses, school information, medical details, or private photos.

► Using this simple rule: If you would not share the information with a stranger, it is usually best not to type it into an AI tool.

► Reviewing privacy settings together on apps, devices, and AI tools.

► Talking about what information may be shared online and how to make safer choices.

Using AI safely and thoughtfully

Most AI tools have age rules. Many require users to be at least 13, and some are for adults only. Check the rules before your child or teen uses a new AI tool, and talk about whether it is a good fit. It can also help to remind loved ones that AI is a tool, not a person. Even when it sounds real, support, connection and important decisions should come from trusted people.

Practice using AI together

AI can be easier to understand when families use it for real, everyday tasks. Trying it together can help families see where AI may be useful, where it may need editing and how it can support communication, planning and problem-solving.

Real-life tasks to try together:

► Make a grocery list or weekly meal plan.

► Create a packing list for camp, school, a trip or an overnight visit.

► Draft questions for a doctor, therapist, teacher or case manager.

► Practice what to say before a meeting, appointment or phone call.

► Make a step-by-step plan for chores, morning routines or getting ready for bed.

After trying a task, talk together about what worked well and what needed to be changed. Families can ask: Did the answer fit our situation? Did it sound like something we would actually say or use? Is there anything we should check with another person? This helps everyone build confidence in using AI safely as a support tool.

Keep the conversation going

AI tools are changing quickly, and families do not need to have every answer right away. What matters most is creating space for ongoing conversations. Families can ask what their loved one already knows about AI, how they are using it and what feels helpful or confusing.

These conversations can happen during everyday life, not just when something goes wrong. Families can talk about AI while working on homework, planning schedules, watching videos, using apps or reading online information. Staying curious, listening without judgment and learning together can make it easier for loved ones to ask questions and get support when they need it.

Resources for families

► Common Sense Media: Parents’ Ultimate Guide to Generative AI: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/articles/parents-ultimate-guide-to-generative-ai

► Children and Screens: Youth and Generative AI Guide: https://www.childrenandscreens.org

► foundry10: Navigating AI as a Family: https://www.foundry10.org/resources/navigating-ai-as-a-family

► Children and Screens: Youth and Generative AI: A Guide for Parents and Educators: https://www.childrenandscreens.org/learn-explore/research/youth-and-generative-ai-a-guide-for-parents-and-educators/

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