AI for Kids – a very hot and relevant topic that blends technology with parenting perfectly. As parents, we want our kids to be tech-savvy, yet there are some dos and don’ts—a very thin line between right and wrong—that we need to understand. Not only us, but our kids also need to be educated in this regard.
Let me start with a real-life scenario: one day, my nine-year-old came to me and asked if ChatGPT could do her homework… At one point, I was amazed at her smartness, but there were several other thoughts popping up in my mind… We shall cover every aspect (that almost every mom wonders about) in our blog.
There’s no second thought that AI (Artificial Intelligence) is becoming a part of everyday life. Everything is now changing, and AI is becoming a staple in every home—especially if you have young kids.
The main purpose of choosing this topic is to help moms decide what AI tools are safe, smart, and useful for young kids.
What Is AI (in Mom Terms)?
If we talk in general terms, AI is like a robotic brain that learns patterns through machine learning to help us answer questions, play games, or create stuff.
Some of the common examples that you and your kids may already be using include: YouTube recommendations, Alexa, learning apps.
But remember, not all AI is educational or safe—some, or almost most of them nowadays, are just entertainment or risky.
With AI tools popping up everywhere, here’s how to decide what’s safe and what’s smart for young kids:
What’s SMART AI for Kids?
These AI tools can support learning and creativity. For your ease, we are attaching the link with each recommendation so that you can check it out yourself.
AI Reading Apps
- Khan Academy Kids
A very popular and award-winning app with stories, phonics, and reading comprehension powered by smart adaptive learning.
https://learn.khanacademy.org/khan-academy-kids/ - HOMER Learn & Grow
A personalized reading app for kids ages 2–8, using AI to adapt learning paths and choose the best that suits your kid.
https://www.learnwithhomer.com/
AI Drawing or Story Generators
- Osmo Creative Starter Kit
Uses AI with a tablet and camera to bring kids’ drawings to life through interactive play. I could only find the iPad version. You can check for Android also.
https://www.playosmo.com/en/creative/ - Story Wizard (AI Story Generator)
This one is very interesting. Kids can choose characters, settings, and themes, and the AI helps create unique illustrated stories based on the child’s vision.
https://storywizard.ai/
Child-Friendly Chatbots
- Curio AI for Kids
A safe, educational AI chatbot designed for children to ask questions and explore topics in a friendly way. Daily tasks, glossary help, memory library, etc. There are many features to explore.
https://www.curioai.net/
AI Story Apps
- Novel Effect
Adds interactive sound effects to books using voice recognition, making storytime magical.
https://www.noveleffect.com/ - Read Along by Google
I found this one really useful. It uses speech recognition to help kids read aloud and improve pronunciation.
https://readalong.google/
Coding Games Using AI Logic
- Scratch Jr (Highly Recommended)
The most popular among kids these days. A block-oriented kids’ programming app through which kids create interactive stories and games, building logic skills through visual coding.
https://www.scratchjr.org/ - Tynker
Teaches kids how to code using AI, game creation, and interactive storytelling. Visually appealing, and students can create an account for free. Ideal for kids who love to create games.
https://www.tynker.com/
AI-Powered Learning Sites
- Duolingo ABC
An AI-powered app that teaches kids to read through phonics and short lessons. The best multi-lingual app I have come across so far.
https://www.duolingo.com/abc - BrainPOP Jr. (Highly Recommended)
This amazing website is super colorful and user-friendly. It uses AI-enhanced quizzes and interactive lessons in science, reading, and social studies for younger kids.
https://jr.brainpop.com/
Pro Tips (Make Sure You Tick These Checks)
- Always look for tools with clear educational goals, no ads, and parent dashboards.
- If it teaches, guides, or lets kids create with limits—it’s a good choice!
What is NOT Safe? (Red Flags to Watch)
- Apps with open-ended chatting (like regular ChatGPT or Snapchat AI)
- Games that push microtransactions
- Games or apps that trigger behavioral issues or have no learning curve
- Lack of parental control
- Lack of data tracking
- AI tools with no age rating or adult content warnings
Red Flag Rule
- If it can talk back with anything, collect data, or show random internet content—it’s a Big NO.
- If you can’t control what your kid sees or says, it’s Not Safe.
How I Handle AI with My Kids
I have adapted these methods or you can say these strategies when my kids ask me for either installing some new exciting app or the use of existing one.
- “We can use the XYZ app, but only 20 minutes after you finish the homework.”
- “Let me also use this app/play this game with you, and see how well I perform.”
- “We use AI as a helper, but we can’t depend on it 100%.”
- “Let me see the reviews for this app, then we shall see if it is good or not.”
You may have your own ways of being comfortable with your kids, according to their mindset.
Tips for Safe & Smart AI Use at Home
- Use Google Family Link or Apple Screen Time for controls.
- Encourage co-use – sit with your kids while they explore (without giving detective vibes!).
- Set clear rules, like “No new apps without asking.” Alternatively, set parental control to handle app approvals.
- Talk openly with them, like “If the app says something weird or asks for your personal details, come tell me.”
Tips for Moms
- Always test the app/game/tool yourself first.
- Use built-in device settings (like iOS Screen Time or Google Family Link) to manage use.
- Talk to your child about how AI works in a simple way (“It’s like a robot helper, but not a real person.”)
- Make a rule of thumb: Tell your kids never to upload any pictures or personal identity anywhere without asking.
Final Thoughts
As moms, our duty is to guide, filter, and empower our kids to train their growing minds to make wise choices.
I would also encourage moms to explore AI tools with their kids and turn it into a bonding + learning opportunity.
AI isn’t scary, it just needs smart parenting and clear boundaries. Kids need proper guidance whenever they are using any tablet, laptop, mobile device—or I would even say while watching TV also!
Likewise, I will again say that AI isn’t the enemy, it’s just a tool. Our job as parents isn’t to block it, but to guide how our kids use it. Let it support their learning, not replace our presence.
On a Closing Note: UAE’s Initiative for Artificial Intelligence Education Among Kids
- AI Education Becomes Mandatory in UAE Schools: The UAE has introduced a compulsory AI subject in schools, ensuring that students gain essential knowledge about artificial intelligence from an early age.
- Comprehensive Teacher Training Initiatives: To support this initiative, the UAE is implementing extensive teacher training programs, equipping educators with the necessary skills to effectively teach AI concepts.
- Aligning with National AI Strategy: This move is part of the UAE’s broader strategy to position itself as a leader in AI, aiming to prepare the younger generation for a future where AI plays a pivotal role in various sectors.
Read Full Blog Here: Khaleej Times article about mandatory AI education in the UAE
