Google allows children under 13 to use Gemini AI with parental controls

Google announced on May 2, 2025, it will allow children under 13 with parent-managed accounts to use its Gemini AI chatbot. Parents must use Google’s Family Link service to monitor usage. This expansion aims to introduce AI tools to younger users safely.

Access and Parental Controls

The chatbot will be accessible online for children with Family Link, which lets parents oversee their child’s Google services.

Google stated that Gemini includes special protections for young users, and data from these interactions won’t train its AI models. This measure intends to protect children’s privacy.

This move reflects Google’s effort to enter the AI market early among younger demographics but also raises concerns about safety and content appropriateness.

Significance and Concerns

Allowing children to access AI chatbots signifies AI’s growing role in daily life. Google seeks to build long-term engagement starting in early years.

However, experts caution about risks including exposure to unsuitable content and addiction to chatbot interactions.

Groups such as UNESCO have called for regulations on AI use in education, including age restrictions and data protection. Their push for safeguards highlights the need for caution in AI deployment in youth contexts.

How the Extension Works

Integration with the Family Link service enables parental control over children’s interaction with Gemini. Parents manage permissions and monitor usage.

The chatbot will not use children’s conversation data for AI training, according to Google’s spokesperson, easing privacy concerns reported by The New York Times.

Ongoing Debates on AI Safety in Youth

As chatbots become more common with young users, worries about safety intensify. Reports highlight risks such as “dangerous teen friends” in AI chatbots.

Experts note current chatbot technology remains imperfect, requiring thorough guardrails before expanding access. Related risks are detailed by analyses on AI chatbots and teens.

Google’s Gemini chatbot expansion thus represents a major step in AI engagement with children, underscoring the importance of balance between innovation and protective measures.