Generative AI Tools Help Parents Understand Children's Emotional Risks

Scientists are uncovering both the risks and opportunities associated with teenagers using generative AI (GAI) as emotional companions. The research aims to transform current findings into practical applications that can support parents. They have already made some initial designs for a tool that assists parents in understanding their children's AI usage, providing simple usage reports and discreet risk alerts. Additionally, this tool could facilitate parent-child interactions by helping them engage in meaningful discussions, even promoting the development of critical thinking skills in children. According to the research team, one of their main goals is to make AI technology more aligned with family needs. Parents will not only be able to "monitor" but also genuinely participate in children's digital lives, ensuring the technology serves to enhance, not detract from, human relationships. However, researchers are also keenly aware that the impact of GAI extends far beyond the technology itself. It involves complex issues at the intersection of society, family, and psychology. When teenagers use these tools, the overall experience is not just about functionality; it also encompasses emotional, cognitive, and even developmental aspects that need to be carefully considered. To achieve this, the team emphasizes the importance of integrating technological design, policy-making, and educational frameworks. Their hope is that this research will serve as a catalyst, drawing more attention to how teenagers interact with GAI and offering concrete guidance to families, educational institutions, and developers. The goal is to ensure that AI services serve humans positively, rather than leading them astray. The research is being rapidly iterated and tested. Scientists are eager to finalize the design and roll out these tools as soon as possible to meet the growing demand. Future plans include further refining the system to better align with specific family needs and contexts. For those interested in learning more, the following references provide in-depth details: https://www.computer.org/csdl/proceedings-article/sp/2025/223600a090/224AompDDwc https://arxiv.org/pdf/2502.16383 Operated and Edited by: He Weilong