Google is preparing to introduce its Gemini AI chatbot for children under 13 next week, offering access to young users through parent-managed Google accounts. The tech giant informed families of the change via email, highlighting that the chatbot will be available to children whose accounts are set up using Google’s Family Link—a service that allows parents to supervise their child’s digital activity.
In the email, Google stated that children would soon be able to use Gemini to ask questions, receive help with homework, and generate stories. While designed to engage and educate, this move has sparked a broader conversation about safety, data use, and the impact of AI on children.
Karl Ryan, a Google spokesperson, noted that Gemini includes specific safeguards for younger users, restricting the chatbot from delivering unsafe content. He also emphasized that data from child accounts won’t be used to train the AI model.
The rollout comes at a time when tech companies are in a race to introduce AI-powered tools to younger demographics. While millions of teenagers already use AI for tasks ranging from studying to companionship, experts have raised concerns about the influence of such tools on children, especially those unable to distinguish between AI-generated responses and human interaction.
UNICEF and other advocacy groups have warned that generative AI tools may mislead or manipulate children, as well as expose them to misinformation or age-inappropriate content. Google, in its email, acknowledged these potential risks, advising parents to guide their children on critical thinking, fact-checking information, and avoiding the disclosure of sensitive personal data while using Gemini.
Despite content filters, the company admitted children “may encounter content you don’t want them to see.” Parents will be notified when their child first uses Gemini, and they’ll have access to controls that allow them to manage or disable the chatbot’s use entirely.
This move mirrors earlier initiatives by Google to cater to younger audiences, such as the 2015 launch of YouTube Kids. However, efforts like Meta’s now-shelved Instagram Kids project have shown how introducing products to children can trigger public backlash and regulatory scrutiny.
Tech firms like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft have previously faced penalties for breaching the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), which mandates that platforms collecting data from children under 13 must obtain parental consent.
Google said its Gemini offering for children is fully compliant with COPPA, and its systems are designed with privacy and safety in mind.
