What is Google Gemini and is it safe for children?
Guidance for parents & carers
Learn about the AI platform Google Gemini to help you and your child use it safely.
In this guide
What is Google Gemini?
Google Gemini (previously Bard) is a chatbot which uses artificial intelligence, first launched in 2023. It uses a large language model (LLM) also called Gemini to provide users with real-time, human-like responses.
Users can access Gemini via their browser or through a downloaded app. Those who use Google Search will often also see an AI Overview, which also uses Google Gemini.
Minimum age requirements
According to Google, users must be 13 or older to use Gemini with a personal or school Google Account. If using a work account, you must be 18 or older.
However, children under 13 can sign into the Gemini App. If you manage your child’s Google account via Family Link, you can turn this feature on or off.
You cannot currently use Gemini with a non-Google email address.
How Gemini works
Google trains its Gemini chatbot on publicly available data. It uses filters to limit users’ exposure to inappropriate or misleading content. The AI chatbot can then use this data to have virtual conversations with users.
To respond to a user’s request, Gemini uses its learning to predict the most accurate next word in a sentence. In the data that trains it, there are language patterns. It’s these language patterns that help Gemini form sentences to share with you.
The example that Google uses to illustrate this is the phrase “peanut butter and __.” A likely next word is jam (more likely than shoelace). However, there are other options such as ‘jelly’ or ‘bananas’. Google programmed Gemini to also think of these alternatives to offer more creativity and variety.
Because of this programming, Google Gemini might provide different responses to the same question. This can sometimes unfortunately lead to incorrect information that sounds like it could be right.
Is Gemini safe for kids?
Remember that most platforms created their AI chatbot with adults in mind, not children. As such, you need to consider how Gemini collects data and the information it generates.
Your child cannot use Gemini on their own if they are under 13. We recommend that you use the chatbot with your child even if they meet this age requirement to help them learn appropriate use.
What are the benefits?
As is the case with many online platforms, there are both risks and benefits for children who use Google Gemini. Understanding both can help you feel more confident in managing your child’s digital safety.
The following are benefits of Gemini and similar AI chatbots.
Some might think that AI takes away children’s skill-building, but Gemini can do the opposite. Skills that children can develop with Gemini include:
- Critical thinking: Children must navigate the information Gemini gives and apply fact-checking habits when asking questions.
- Prompt literacy: Sometimes a simple question does not give the answer you’re looking for. Children need to develop their understanding of how the right prompt is important for getting the most accurate answer.
- Supporting understanding: If a child struggles to understand a concept in Maths, for example, Gemini can break it down and work through a child’s understanding.
Gemini can also help children with tasks related to school or home. This includes:
- Brainstorming and inspiration: If a child struggles to think of ideas, Gemini can provide a list of options
- Imagination and play: Children can talk to their favourite book character, take turns telling a story or play word games with Gemini, which you can also do as a family.
- Creating routines and schedules: Older children can create revision schedules for exams or get help with organising plans.
- Organisation: Children can also use Gemini to organise ideas for essays or projects. They can do this with other things that interest them too like organising a story they’re writing.
All of these benefits depend on using the tool in appropriate ways. That means teaching your child that Gemini can help them but can’t do the work for them.
What are the risks for children using Gemini?
Many of the risks associated with using Gemini come from improper use. These are the same risks associated with the use of other AI chatbots. They include:
- Over-reliance: Children might use Gemini to do work for them, which they can then become reliant on.
- Sharing sensitive information: Humans review some conversations with Gemini. Unless you turn this setting off, children might share sensitive information by accident.
- Data sharing: Google uses content within Gemini chats to improve its product. This can include children’s data, and you can create a request to object to this.
- Misleading or false information: Chatbots can ‘hallucinate’ and give incorrect information as truth. So, children might believe and spread false information.
The best way to minimise risk of harm online is to discuss AI with your child.
How to use Google Gemini safely
Your child and your family can use Gemini in a range of ways. To do so safely, remember to:
- Use Gemini together to start out;
- Talk about the right and wrong ways to use the chatbot, including what information to keep private;
- Discuss the risks and what to do if something goes wrong;
- Set boundaries around when and how your child can use Gemini;
- Turn off chat activity review;
- On behalf of your child, request that Gemini not collect data on their account. You can do that here.