As Artificial Intelligence (AI) has moved from the pages of science fiction into everyday life and teen AI use outpaces that of adults, many parents are wondering what they need to know about this rapidly evolving technology.
“The biggest thing I want to stress is that AI is not inherently good or bad,” said Taylor Alvesteffer, LLMSW, with Wedgwood Christian Services’ Positive Youth Development. “It can be a great tool when it’s used with healthy boundaries.”
If you haven’t used AI much or at all, your teen can be a great resource. Asking them to teach you what they know is an easy way to begin a conversation about how to best use the technology safely.
Here are five ideas to help your family navigate AI wisely.
Have a family discussion. Talk about what AI is and what it’s not. AI can quickly gather and summarize information, but it does not think critically or experience real emotions. “Sit down together and brainstorm healthy and potentially more dangerous uses of AI,” suggested Alvesteffer.
Set guidelines. Use that discussion to create family guidelines. “You might decide to use it to find recipes, help with one homework question, or for research,” she said. Alvesteffer has also seen teens use AI to redesign their bedroom or get past a difficult level in their favorite video game.
She recommends helping kids understand the “why” behind the rules you set. For example, if you don’t want teens posting photos online, explain that images can be stolen and used in AI programs to commit identity theft, financial fraud, and to create illicit deepfakes.
“Be sure the rules are clear for your family,” said Alvesteffer, who explained that kids often make mistakes because expectations are vague.
Use it as a homework helper, not homework doer. A study by the PEW research center shows an increase in teens using AI for homework. “It can be a great learning tool,” said Alvesteffer. She noted that teachers often allow students to use AI to better understand why something is the right answer, but not to complete entire assignments. “A big part of homework is learning to think for yourself and to think critically,” said Alvesteffer. “When you let AI do the work, it removes that learning experience.”
Set an example. As with all things parenting, what you do is at least as important as what you say. “If your kids always see you on your phone or using AI for everything, they’re more likely to be frequent users. As adults, we’re more likely to know how to use it appropriately, but kids need guidance.”
Talk about relationships. Some teens are turning to AI for companionship, using it as a friend, therapist, or even romantic partner. This can be concerning for several reasons. “AI isn’t human. It doesn’t have and can’t read human emotions,” said Alvesteffer, who worries about increased loneliness among teens. “Developmentally, our brains are wired for human connection and that’s not something you can get on a screen with an AI-generated ‘human.’”
When teens do engage in real-world relationships, their experience with AI can also contribute to dysfunctional dynamics. “Because AI is available 24/7, teens who use it relationally can develop blurred boundaries,” said Alvesteffer. For example, they may expect friends, therapists, or romantic partners to be available around the clock, as they have experienced with AI.
Alvesteffer said building trust early, ideally before children begin using technology, is important. So are maintaining a positive relationship and keeping communication open. “Let them know you’re there for them and they can talk to you about anything,” she said. “Sometimes teens are just tired from sports and school, but simply asking whether they need to talk can help you become more connected with your child.”
If you’re concerned your teen may be using AI in unhealthy ways, be thoughtful about the discussion and try to avoid a confrontational or accusatory tone. “How you approach the conversation sets up how that conversation goes,” Alvesteffer explained. She recommended explaining the risks and why you’re concerned without reacting in anger. “Kids are going to make mistakes, and helping them learn from those mistakes is important.”
For more information, visit:
- American Psychological Association health advisory, Artificial Intelligence and Adolescent Well-being
- Take It Down: takeitdown.ncmec.org
- Pew Research Center reports on teens and AI
- National Center for Missing & Exploited Children resources on Generative AI
Kirsetin Morello is a Michigan-based author, speaker, writer, travel-lover, wife and grateful mom of three boys. Read more about her at www.KirsetinMorello.com.
This article originally appeared in the Fall ’26 issue of West Michigan Woman.