How to help your child use AI safety

Technology is evolving rapidly, and artificial intelligence (AI) is now a part of our everyday lives. From Google Maps suggesting the fastest route to work to Netflix recommending what to watch next, AI is shaping how we interact with the digital world. But as AI grows, so does the need to ensure our children use it safely.

Optus Digital Thumbprint has launched a new guide, Generative AI and Online Safety for Families, to help parents understand and navigate this ever-changing landscape with practical tips and conversation starters to help your child engage with Gen AI safely and productively.

AI refers to technology that performs tasks requiring human-like thinking, such as recommending products or filtering spam emails. Generative AI (Gen AI) goes a step further by creating brand-new content—text, images, music, and even videos—without direct human input and often difficult to distinguish between what is real and what is fake. This powerful technology is also already embedded in platforms like ChatGPT, Co-Pilot, and even popular games like Roblox and Minecraft, helping shape what we and our children see online.

Understanding how Gen AI works can help parents guide their children to use it safely and responsibly. The new guide from Optus Digital Thumbprint breaks down key AI concepts and apps such as:

• Text-based tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft Co-Pilot
• Image-based tools like DALL-E - creates realistic images from text, generating new content instead of just categorizing existing images like traditional AI.
• Chatbots - Gen AI chatbots adapt through learning, providing dynamic responses, answering diverse questions, and generating new content beyond basic tasks.
• Deepfakes - fake videos, audio, or images that mimic a person's voice, face, or actions realistically.

As Gen AI becomes more prevalent, it’s important to encourage children to use it as a tool to enhance their creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking—rather than relying on it to do the work for them.

Cyberbullying is when someone uses the internet to be mean and cause harm to another person, and includes text messages, chats, gaming and social media platforms. Technology is amplifying methods of targeting victims and Digital Thumbprint’s research with over 2,000 young people aged 14-16 years indicates that nearly a third view deep fakes and chatbots as one of the biggest challenges when faced with cyberbullying.

According to Scamwatch, Australians lost $318 million in 2024, and a concerning one-third of Australian consumers have been targeted by AI-generated scams involving deep fake technology. While the majority of financial loss is to adults, young people are also vulnerable. Criminals are using AI to scrape photos and voices from gaming and social media posts and Gen AI technology to create hyper-realistic deep fakes of attractive teens, even friends and classmates.  These are being used in a form of blackmail known as sextortion. This is where the criminal threatens to send intimate content if not paid in money or more intimate content.  Our new guide shares an example of this.

Young people don’t always share when they are experiencing cyberbullying so it’s important to have open and engaging conversations about it. Digital Thumbprint’s Cyberbullying: What to say when things go wrong online guide covers signs to look out for and conversation starters to help create a safe place for sharing.

If your child experiences scams or extortion, eSafety suggests following these steps:

• Don’t pay. Never give in to demands.
• Collect evidence. Take screenshots of messages and interactions.
• Report it. Notify the platform, eSafety, and ACCCE (Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation) if your child is under 18.
• Block and secure. Stop all contact with the scammer and tighten privacy settings on accounts.
• Seek help and support from free counselling services such as Kids Helpline, 13Yarn, or Lifeline

The guide offers practical steps for parents to help their children navigate Gen AI safely for example:

1. Stay curious and encourage critical thinking

Teach your child to question what they see online. When using Gen AI tools, encourage them to ask, “How does this work?” or “Where did this information come from?” This helps them think critically and use AI responsibly.

2. Keep security in mind

Not all AI tools are transparent about how they collect and use data. Remind your child never to share personal information, photos, or videos with AI-powered platforms. Protecting their privacy is essential.

3. Know the limits

AI tools are not always suitable for children. Some platforms, like ChatGPT and DALL-E, require users to be at least 13 years old, while others require parental permission for under-18s. Always check the terms of service before allowing your child to use an AI tool.

4. Start (and keep) the conversation going

AI technology is constantly evolving, so ongoing conversations are key. Ask your child how they use Gen AI and discuss the benefits and risks together. Regular check-ins will help them stay safe and make informed choices.

Gen AI is a powerful tool that, when used responsibly, can enhance learning, creativity, and problem-solving skills. However, it’s crucial to stay informed and proactive about online safety.

Optus Digital Thumbprint’s Generative AI and Online Safety for Families guide provides essential information to help parents and caregivers navigate this digital landscape. By understanding Gen AI, setting boundaries, and having open conversations, you can empower your child to use AI safely and responsibly.

For more tips on removing shared content visit eSafety.gov.au.

For young people

• Blocking unwanted contact guide
• Cyberbullying quiz
• Cyberbullying: what to do when things go wrong guide
• Digital Balance quiz
• Fake friends and fake profiles quiz
• Hackers, scammers and fake friends guide
• Lifehacks for a balanced time online guide
• Passphrases, passwords and MFA guide and quiz
• Protecting personal information quiz
• Scammers and fake friends quiz

For Families

• Generative AI and online safety for families guide
• Balancing time online guide
• Blocking unwanted contact for your child guide
• Cyberbullying: What to say when things go wrong online guide
• First Phone Readiness guide and quiz
• Passphrases, passwords and MFA for your child guide
• Recognising hackers, scammers and fake friends guide
• Safeguard your child’s privacy on popular apps and games guide
• Stay ahead of scams through family discussions guide

Further resources

eSafety Commissioner to report cyberbullying, image-based abuse, and illegal and restricted content

Australian Cyber Security Centre - Auto report cybercrime, including online threats and abuse, scams and hacks, data breaches, identity theft and fraud.

Scamwatch to report scams.

Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation to report online grooming and inappropriate contact

IDCARE to get identity theft, data breach, scam and cyber security support.

If your child needs to talk to someone about their feelings or worries, they can contact:

Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 for free, private and confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling services.

13YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7) for a free, private and confidential talk with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter.

Lifeline provides 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.

Optus Digital Thumbprint supports digital safety and wellbeing for young people and families. Find out more at www.digitalthumbprint.com.au