When it comes to raising children in an AI world, parents must accept that AI is now part of how our children learn, play, and connect. While it can be brilliant for explanations and creativity, it can also open doors we would rather keep shut. Below are five red flags and risks to keep on your radar as you raise digitally savvy, emotionally resilient children. We share why they matter and quick, practical steps you can use right away.
When AI starts to feel like a best friend – If your child is turning to a chatbot for late-night comfort and hiding those chats, pause. AI can feel safe and non-judgmental, and it can act like a digital “yes-person,” agreeing with whatever it is told rather than offering the kind of guidance a child needs to grow. This can be particularly dangerous for a child. Ensure your child understands that generative AI is created to sound human, but it is not. As a family, agree that AI is for explanations and ideas, while humans are the first choice for big feelings. Build a trusting circle and open communication so your child knows they can come to you or another trusted adult whenever they need to talk.
Deepfakes and AI-sextortion – A sudden message that says “I have your photo” or demands money is designed to create panic. Offenders now use AI to fake images and escalate quickly. Reassure your child they are not to blame, and teach them not to pay and not to engage. In the online world, there are people whose goal is to prey on vulnerable users and children. Previously, sextortion was based on using content or images that a child shared; now offenders might also use AI for their sextortion scams. A house rule to teach today is to let your child know that if anyone demands images or money, they should tell you immediately so you can take the steps needed to protect them.
Voice-cloning scams – It only takes a few seconds of audio to clone a voice. A call or voice note that sounds exactly like you or your child may ask for urgent money or one-time codes. The goal is to make you act before you think. As a family, create a safe word and verify any urgent requests before acting. Turn on two-factor authentication for WhatsApp and other social apps. If an urgent call comes in, hang up and call your family member back on a saved number. The art of pausing and verifying before reacting is a critical skill.
Homework outsourcing and “false understanding” – If assignments look polished but your child cannot explain the work without the tool, you may be seeing over-reliance. That short-circuits deep learning and confidence. Schools are setting expectations for responsible use of generative AI, and misuse can be treated as malpractice. Over-reliance on AI can create a false sense of academic excellence without deep understanding. Teach your child to make AI a co-pilot, not autopilot. It is fine for brainstorming or proofreading, but not for doing the work. Encourage a teach-back habit at home where your child explains the work or topic in their own words to show mastery.
Algorithm rabbit holes and bypassed age-gates – Recommender feeds are excellent at keeping attention, not at protecting childhood. Algorithms shape what users see, and younger children who claim to be older can land in violent, sexual, hateful, or self-harm content. Platforms are not built to fully protect children from inappropriate material. Teach your teen to turn on teen settings and switch off auto-play where possible. Co-view regularly and pay attention to changes in behaviour that might signal that your child is being radicalised or affected by online content. Practise using reporting tools for inappropriate content so that, if the time comes to use them, your child is prepared.
If you feel behind – You do not have to figure this out alone. You can get support through regular workshops and clinics on digital well-being, AI safety, and family tech agreements. For example, through LagosMums, you can access practical, culturally aware guidance on parenting in the digital age, grounded in cyberpsychology and online safety.
Yetty Williams is the founder of LagosMums, an accredited digital parenting coach, trained in cyberpsychology, and the Author of Digital Savvy Parenting.
