The Growing Risks of Generative AI

At The Digital Parent Club, our mission is simple: to empower parents with the knowledge they need to keep their children safe online. With technology advancing at an unprecedented pace, parents often find themselves overwhelmed, unsure of what platforms and tools their children are engaging with.

We don’t dictate what parents should or shouldn’t do. Instead, we provide clear, practical information about risks, solutions, and safety measures. Every family is different, so our goal is to ensure parents have the right knowledge to make informed choices that work for them.

One of the biggest challenges today is understanding emerging technologies like generative AI. It’s becoming an integral part of our children’s digital experiences—often without parents even realising it.

The Growing Risks of Generative AI

Generative AI has the potential to transform the way we interact with technology, but it also brings with it several risks that parents must be aware of. The NSPCC has identified seven key risks associated with AI, many of which align with broader online safety concerns.

 

AI Companions: The Rise of Virtual Friendships

AI-powered chatbots, such as My AI on Snapchat or Character AI, are designed to adapt to user preferences, making interactions seamless and appealing. For children and teens, these chatbots can become like virtual friends—offering emotional support, validation, and a sense of connection.

While this might sound harmless, the reality is more concerning. AI-driven friendships lack the complexity and real-world challenges of human relationships. Children who rely on AI for emotional support may struggle with real-life social interactions and problem-solving skills. The danger lies in creating unrealistic expectations of relationships—ones where there’s no disagreement, no conflict, and always validation.

 

The Spread of Misinformation and Fake Content

With the increasing sophistication of AI-generated images and videos, distinguishing between reality and fiction is becoming harder. Fake content, whether in the form of altered images, deepfake videos, or AI-generated news, can be incredibly convincing. This poses a huge challenge for children who may not yet have the critical thinking skills needed to verify information.

As parents, the question becomes: How do we teach our children to challenge what they see online? How do we equip them with the tools to fact-check and think critically about the content they consume?

The Threat of AI in Online Exploitation and Grooming

One of the most alarming aspects of generative AI is its potential to be exploited by predators. The NSPCC has reported instances where AI has been used to manipulate, harass, and groom children online. Parents are often unaware of how these interactions take place, making it even harder to address the risks.

The challenge isn’t just the existence of AI chatbots; it’s the way they are seamlessly integrated into platforms our children already use. For example, on Snapchat, My AI is enabled by default, and unless parents subscribe to Snapchat+, they can’t remove it. This means children are being exposed to AI interactions without necessarily understanding the implications.

Why Parents Need to Pay Attention

Many parents remain unaware of the extent to which generative AI has infiltrated their children's digital spaces. From AI-driven tutoring in apps like Duolingo to AI-generated content on social media, these tools are becoming everyday companions for young users.

While AI can offer benefits—such as personalized learning experiences for children with educational challenges—it also presents significant risks. The lack of regulation means children can be exposed to misleading information, manipulation, and harmful interactions.

The Emotional and Psychological Impact on Children

For children who have been misled, scammed, or even exploited through AI-generated content, the impact can be devastating. Reports have emerged of AI chatbots encouraging harmful behaviors—including self-harm.

Moreover, even well-intentioned children who avoid risky online behavior are not immune. With AI-generated fake images, children can become victims of deepfake content, leading to issues like sextortion. This level of vulnerability places an enormous amount of pressure and stress on young users.

What Needs to Change?

A recent study found that 78% of people support safety checks on generative AI products. So, what needs to happen to protect our children?

The NSPCC has outlined four key areas for change:

1. Transparency in AI Design – Companies must be open about how AI systems work and what data they collect.
2. Accountability for Child Safety – Tech companies should be responsible for ensuring AI platforms prioritize child protection.
3. Listening to Children – The experiences and voices of young users should be taken into account when designing AI policies.
4. Ongoing Research and Evidence-Based Policies – AI safety should be continuously assessed, with policies evolving based on research.

At The Digital Parent Club, we fully support these measures. However, beyond regulations, parents need to be engaged and informed. Schools and community groups must work together to demystify AI, helping parents understand the risks and prepare their children for the future.

Moving Forward: How Parents Can Take Action

• Stay Informed – AI is here to stay, and parents need to educate themselves on how it works.
• Have Open Conversations – Talk to your children about AI, the risks of virtual friendships, and the importance of critical thinking online.
• Use Parental Controls Wisely – Understand what AI features are available on the platforms your children use and adjust settings accordingly.
• Teach Fact-Checking Skills – Encourage children to question what they see and verify information before accepting it as truth.
• Push for Regulation and Accountability – Support initiatives that call for responsible AI development and child safety measures.

Generative AI is shaping the future of technology, but that doesn’t mean we have to accept its risks without question. By staying engaged, advocating for responsible AI practices, and empowering our children with knowledge, we can navigate this new digital landscape safely.

We are committed to providing parents with the tools and insights they need to tackle these challenges head-on. Together, we can ensure our children grow up in a digital world that is safe, transparent, and empowering.