L274 · Staying safe · 3 min

AI house rules for the family

A few clear family rules about AI prevent most problems before they start.

01 · The idea

Every family already has rules for screens, like no phones at dinner. AI deserves a few of its own, because chatbots and photo apps can see more than people expect.

Start with privacy. No full names, home address, school name, ID numbers or photos of other people go into an AI app without asking a parent. What you type may be stored and used to improve the product.

Then honesty. Schoolwork made by AI must be labelled or not handed in at all, following the teacher's rules. Nobody makes fake photos or voices of real people, even as a joke, because deepfakes can hurt and spread fast.

Finally, talk openly. If a chatbot says something strange or scary, kids should feel safe telling an adult without getting in trouble. Write the rules down and stick them on the fridge.

02 · Think of it like this

It works like the rules for crossing the street. You teach them once, repeat them often, and soon kids follow them without thinking.

03 · Do it now

04 · Quick check

Which of these belongs in a good family AI rule list?