Growing up in the age of AI: supporting your child with digital life
Online Digital Safety Focus
At Tute, our focus this half term is on supporting parents and carers to understand the changing digital landscape particularly the growing role of AI and emerging technologies in children’s lives.
Artificial intelligence is no longer something “for the future”. It is already embedded in the apps, platforms, games, and search tools young people use every day. Alongside many benefits, it also brings new and evolving risks that can feel fast-moving and difficult to keep up with.
This guide is designed to help you feel informed, confident, and supported in navigating this together with your child.
What do we mean by AI in children’s digital lives?
Artificial intelligence (AI) is technology that can generate content, make predictions, or interact with users in human-like ways. Children may encounter AI through:
- Chatbots and “AI friends”
- Search engines and recommendation feeds
- Homework or revision tools
- Image and video generation tools
- Social media algorithms that shape what they see
While these tools can support creativity and learning, they also require guidance and critical awareness.
Key digital risks linked to AI and technology
As AI becomes more accessible, new safeguarding considerations are emerging:
1. Misinformation and “false confidence”
AI tools can generate answers that sound correct but are inaccurate or misleading. Children may not always have the skills to recognise this.
2. Inappropriate or harmful content generation
Some AI tools can create or adapt content that is unsuitable for children, even when it appears harmless at first.
3. Emotional reliance on AI interactions
Some children may turn to AI chat tools for companionship or emotional support, which can blur boundaries around trust, advice, and real relationships.
4. Data and privacy risks
Children may unknowingly share personal or sensitive information with platforms that store or process their data.
5. Algorithmic influence
Social media and video platforms use AI-driven algorithms that shape what children see, sometimes reinforcing narrow interests or exposing them to harmful content over time.
What does the research tell us?
Research into children’s digital experiences shows that technology is evolving faster than young people’s ability to critically evaluate it:
- The Department for Education highlights that digital literacy and critical thinking are now essential safeguarding skills, alongside traditional safety education.
- Ofcom research consistently shows that children’s online lives are highly shaped by algorithms, with content feeds influencing what they see, believe, and engage with.
- Child protection organisations such as the NSPCC note that new technologies can create “unknown risk pathways”, where harm develops in ways that are not immediately visible to adults.
- Studies on AI use in education suggest that while it can improve access and creativity, children often over-trust AI-generated content without questioning accuracy or bias.
The research is clear: children need not only protection, but also guidance, modelling, and ongoing conversations to help them build digital resilience.
How you can support your child
You do not need to be a technology expert to help your child stay safe online. Small, consistent actions make a big difference:
1. Talk about AI openly
Ask your child what tools they are using and explore them together where possible. Curiosity builds trust.
2. Encourage “healthy scepticism”
Remind children that AI can be helpful, but it is not always right or neutral.
3. Reinforce privacy habits
Encourage your child not to share personal information with apps, chatbots, or online tools.
4. Understand their digital world
Take time to explore the platforms, apps, and games they use and how AI features appear within them.
5. Support balance
Encourage offline activities, hobbies, and face-to-face relationships alongside digital engagement.
How Tute supports safe digital learning
As an online education provider, safeguarding and digital safety are central to everything we do. At Tute we:
- Use structured, monitored virtual classrooms
- Train staff in online safeguarding and emerging digital risks
- Maintain clear expectations for safe and appropriate digital behaviour
- Support learners to develop critical thinking and digital awareness
- Work closely with families and commissioning partners to ensure consistency and safety
We recognise that digital confidence is just as important as digital safety and both need to be developed together.
Trusted support and guidance
If you would like further information or support around AI and online safety, these organisations provide reliable advice:
- NSPCC Online Safety
👉 https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/
- UK Safer Internet Centre
👉 https://saferinternet.org.uk/
- Internet Matters (parent guides on apps, AI, and controls)
👉 https://www.internetmatters.org/
- Childline (support for children and young people)
👉 https://www.childline.org.uk/
If you are concerned about a child’s safety online, you can contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk.
Final message
AI and digital technology are developing rapidly, and it is natural for families to feel uncertain about what this means for children. The most powerful safeguard is not restriction alone, it is conversation, curiosity, and consistency.
By working together, we can help young people become confident, critical, and safe digital citizens in an ever-changing world.
Thank you for reading
Written by Natalie Hollins,
Parent Support Associate
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