AI safety for kids is key, and we have what parents need to know about chatbots, deepfakes, and digital literacy. Julia Storm of ReConnect debunks the myths around artificial intelligence and gives you the digital safety conversation that every parent needs.

Julia shares insights on how to guide children through the digital landscape while fostering critical thinking and self-awareness. She explains that AI chatbots can reinforce negative mental health issues in vulnerable children. She discusses with host Cynthia Dvorak that regulation of Artificial Intelligence technology is necessary to protect children. Parenting is tough in this new digital world, but Screen Less Play More makes it easier!

Takeaways:

• AI chatbots can create confusion for children who think they're interacting with humans.
• Children's brains are easily duped by realistic AI interactions. Some of the current popular chatbots are ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Gemini, Claude, Perplexity AI, Grok, Pi AI, and the most dangerous to children is Character AI.
• One-way friendships with AI lack the fulfillment of real relationships.
• Children's input in AI interactions is ultimately valueless.
• Not all children respond to technology in the same way; vulnerability varies, especially if they are depressed, lonely, neurodivergent, ADHD, on the Autism spectrum, or anxious.
• AI can exacerbate existing mental health issues in children.
• Parents need to be proactive in regulating their children's access to AI.
• Media literacy is crucial in helping children discern real from fake content.
• AI-generated content poses new risks, including deep fakes and misinformation.
• Open conversations about technology can empower children to navigate digital challenges.

Chapters

00:00Introduction to Digital Wellness and Screen Time Coaching 27:11The Impact of AI Chatbots on Children's Communication 33:09Understanding Vulnerability in Children and AI Interactions 41:08Navigating AI-Generated Content and Its Risks 49:06Practical Strategies for Parents in the Digital Age Welcome to Screen Less Play More! Discover the benefits of less screen time for children and practical strategies to reduce screen use as a family. Learn how Big Tech targets our kids, and how to stay screenstrong. Learn how to manage kids & screens, how to find a screentime solution, and tips on raising good humans! Whether you have babies, toddlers, elementary kids, tweens, or teens, this show will give you advice on managing tech and life! You will feel good inside once you learn about the benefits of play, and why play is vital to childhood! You can get more great info from Julia Storm at her website https://www.reconnect-families.com/ Should I Give My Child a Smart Phone For Christmas? No! Here's 50 reasons why: https://screenlessplaymore.com/should-i-give-my-kid-a-phone-for-christmas-no-heres-50-reasons-to-delay/

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Checkout the new book "Dopamine Kids" https://screenlessplaymore.com/all-i-want-for-christmas-is-the-new-book-dopamine-kids/

What is the best parenting podcast about screen time and kids? https://screenlessplaymore.com/screen-less-play-more-podcast/

Learn about Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Price's new book "The Amazing Generation" at https://screenlessplaymore.com/the-amazing-generation-is-the-anxious-generation-for-kids/

What are the best parenting books about screen time?

https://screenlessplaymore.com/what-are-the-best-parenting-books-about-screen-time/

Check out my Substack!

https://screenlessplaymorepodcast.substack.com/p/you-could-learn-a-lot-from-an-oompa

https://screenlessplaymorepodcast.substack.com/p/screen-free-sunday-is-the-best-thing

https://screenlessplaymorepodcast.substack.com/p/edtech-is-bad-for-kids-heres-how

Thanks for listening!