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May 2, 2023

The Parent’s Playbook: 6 Ways to Navigate ChatGPT for Children

Helen Hofer

As a parent, you always want the best for your children. ChatGPT, an advanced AI language model, has taken the world by storm in today’s digital landscape. It can be a powerful tool for learning, but like any tool, it must be used responsibly, especially for children.

At Core Perspectives, we understand your concerns. That’s why we’ve put together this engaging guide to help you navigate the exciting world of ChatGPT while keeping your children safe and secure. Think of ChatGPT as a genie, waiting to grant your child’s wishes for knowledge—but first, let’s set some boundaries and create a safe space for them to explore.

  1. Foster a Supportive Learning Environment: Emotional Safety (Safety)

Creating a safe and supportive learning environment is crucial for children when exploring ChatGPT. Encourage them to express their feelings and concerns about their experiences with the AI language model. This emotional safety net allows them to share any confusion, frustration, or even excitement they may encounter while using ChatGPT (Hogan, 2018).

Be there to guide and reassure them and let them know it’s okay sometimes to feel overwhelmed or unsure. As they become more comfortable using ChatGPT, they will gain confidence in their ability to navigate and benefit from this powerful digital tool.

Establish a Safety Net: Parental Controls (Security)

Start by setting up parental controls, which can act as a safety net to catch any inappropriate content before it reaches your child’s screen (Common Sense Media, 2021). Most platforms and devices offer built-in controls that allow you to restrict access, monitor usage, and filter content. Don’t forget to update these settings regularly to keep up with the ever-evolving digital world.

Open the Door to Dialogue: Communication (Integrity)

Encourage open communication with your children about their ChatGPT experiences. Make it a habit to ask what they’ve learned or encountered and share your own experiences. This not only builds trust but also helps you understand their online activities. As the old saying goes, “A problem shared is a problem halved.”

Set Sail with a Compass: Guidelines (Integrity)

Establish clear guidelines for using ChatGPT, such as limiting screen time and defining the topics they can explore (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2016). This will help keep their digital journey on course and prevent them from wandering into uncharted territory.

Spark Their Inner Detective: Critical Thinking (Curiosity)

Teach your children to approach ChatGPT with a curious and critical mind. Encourage them to question the information they receive and verify its accuracy through reliable sources (ISTE, 2019). In this way, they’ll become digital detectives, sifting through the sands of information to uncover the gems of knowledge hidden within.

Embark on a Family Adventure: Joint Exploration (Curiosity)

Make ChatGPT a family affair by engaging in joint exploration. Together, you can discuss topics, solve problems, or complete projects. This shared experience will help you bond as a family and create a supportive learning environment.

By embracing these six strategies, you can help your children navigate the vast ocean of information that is ChatGPT. You’ll be their lighthouse, guiding them safely to the shores of knowledge while nurturing their curiosity and integrity. 

Remember, with great power comes great responsibility. Let’s empower our children to use ChatGPT wisely and safely.

 

References:

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2016). Media and Young Minds. Pediatrics, 138(5). https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2016-2591

Common Sense Media. (2021). Parental Controls: The Ultimate Guide. https://www.commonsensemedia.org/parental-controls

ISTE. (2019). Developing Critical Thinking Through Technology. https://www.iste.org/explore/Computational-Thinking/Developing-critical-thinking-through-technology


Hogan, M. (2018). The Importance of a Safe Learning Environment. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/importance-safe-learning-environment