There’s a risk to AI you might be missing

Does your AI invite kids to reflect on their thoughts, feelings, or behaviors, or does it bypass that entirely?
AI that jumps straight to answers or solutions can prevent kids from learning how to pause and reflect. Look for opportunities to include open-ended prompts that help kids make sense of what they feel and why.

Does it help kids recognize and name their emotions, or does it rely on one-size-fits-all labels?
Responses like “Sounds like you’re upset” validate a child’s emotions but try to help kids name specific emotions to build their emotional vocabulary and understand the cause and effect. The AI might say: “Sounds like you feel upset because you were let down. I get that” Even if that’s not why the child is upset, it prompts reflection so they can identify their emotion and why they feel it.

Does it support kids in understanding their strengths and limitations, or does it offer generic praise?
Feedback like “You’re smart!” can feel static and superficial. Aim for growth-oriented reinforcement that reflects effort, strategies used, or specific challenges overcome. Such as “Well done! I can tell you’ve put a lot of time on the drawing” or “I love the way you’ve used different colors”.

Does it guide kids to consider how their mindset influences their actions, or ignore the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behavior?
Gentle cues can help kids notice how they’re feeling and how it’s affecting their actions. For example, if a kid says, “I’m just bad at this,” the AI could respond in a concrete way like, “It’s normal to feel stuck. What’s one thing we can try differently this time?”

Does it give kids space to set personal goals or express values, or does it steer them toward preset outcomes?
AI that doesn’t invite personal expression can limit kids’ sense of agency. Look for ways to let kids name goals, make choices, or reflect on what matters to them.

Does your AI support kids in managing stress or frustration, or does it push them to suppress or ignore it?
Avoid tools and messaging that encourage kids to push through stress and frustration. Build in supportive nudges that prompt breaks, deep breaths, and asking for help when things feel tough. It might ask, “Do you want to count to 10?” or suggest “Silly dance time!”

Does it help kids stay focused on long-term goals, or distract them with quick wins and dopamine hits?
AI that constantly rewards instant feedback can undercut patience and persistence. Design moments that reward progress over time, not just instant success, to spur intrinsic motivation. ‍

Does it encourage healthy risk-taking and mistakes, or overemphasize perfection?
Kids need space to try, fail, and learn. If your AI only celebrates “getting it right,” it may discourage resilience. Look for ways to reinforce learning through trial and error.

Does it offer strategies for self-regulation, or leave kids guessing when emotions run high?
When a kid seems overwhelmed, does the AI offer tools, like grounding exercises, journaling prompts, or calming activities? Help kids build an in-built toolkit they can return to online and offline.

Does your AI help kids take another person’s perspective, or reinforce a single point of view?
Avoid designs that position the AI as the ultimate authority. Include stories, examples, or responses that show multiple sides to an issue and encourage kids to consider other perspectives.

Does it introduce diverse perspectives, voices, and cultures, or default to one type of experience?
If every character, scenario, or piece of feedback comes from a narrow worldview, it limits empathy. Make space for varied experiences and identities.

Does it help kids recognize others’ emotional cues, or only focus on the user’s perspective?
AI that encourages “What might they be feeling?” thinking supports empathy. Use prompts that shift the lens from “me” to “we.”

Does it reinforce positive social norms, or leave kids guessing about what’s respectful or fair?
Social awareness includes understanding what’s expected in different settings. If your AI references social behavior, make sure it promotes inclusivity and kindness.

Does your AI support real-world connection, or isolate them in the digital world?
AI isn’t a substitute for friendship. Include features that prompt kids to share, collaborate, or talk with others (not just the bot).‍

Does it model respectful communication, or rely on overly simplistic or passive dialogue?
AI can model turn-taking, curiosity, and even repair when a mistake is made. Look for natural conversation patterns that reflect healthy communication.‍

Does it help kids navigate conflict, or avoid it altogether?
Conflict is part of life. If your AI pretends everything’s smooth, kids miss out on learning conflict resolution. Include prompts or stories that show how disagreement can be handled with care.‍

Does it encourage asking for help or supporting others, or only reward self-reliance?
Kids should feel safe leaning on others. Include moments where the AI suggests seeking advice or teaming up.

Does your AI help kids think through consequences, or offer answers without explanation?
Avoid black-and-white responses. Give kids space to ask “what if,” explore outcomes, and weigh different paths.

Does it support ethical reasoning, or dodge tough moral questions?
AI doesn’t need to have all the answers, but it should raise good questions. Use moral dilemmas or scenario-based choices to open discussion.

Does it make space for curiosity, or rush to a solution?
Responsible choices often come from slow thinking. AI that prompts kids to reflect, ask questions, or gather more info supports better judgment.

Does it factor in others’ well-being, or treat choices as purely personal?
Help kids zoom out. Use prompts that ask, “Who else might this affect?”and “Am I excluding anyone with this choice?” It’s a simple way to promote bigger-picture thinking.