How tech can help raise digitally-responsible kids

Kids today have access to information in a way that previous generations never had growing up.

Kids today have access to information in a way that previous generations never had growing up. The challenge for parents is to help them learn how to be responsible digital citizens.

Thankfully, parents also have access to AI-powered apps and devices that can help them safeguard their kids' online and real-life safety.

Today PLDT Home — who is committed to keeping children safe online and at the same time give them access to information — shares ways tech and AI can help parents raise digitally responsible kids and make parenting a little easier.

1. Maximize generative AI to make learning about internet safety more interesting. Besides capturing their attention, it's also equally important to make sure that kids are interested in what parents trying to engage them in.

For parents seeking inventive ways to educate kids about internet safety, Bard — Google's conversational generative AI chatbot—can be of help. From suggesting books and stories to interactive online games, conversation starters, and additional tips, Bard is a wellspring of ideas to make learning about internet safety an enjoyable endeavor.

2. Monitoring and limiting kids' online interactions.Tech can help protect kids from potential risks through content filtering based on their age. Tools by Google, for instance, make it possible for parents to monitor their children's screen time, set limits and shut off their devices at bedtime.

3. Making it easier to raise critical thinkers. AI can analyze web content and online interactions to detect and block inappropriate or harmful websites and social media platforms.

It can also identify signs of cyberbullying and harassment and analyze patterns and potential risks by monitoring various data source1s.

At a young age, children can be trained to think critically about the accuracy of the information they read or watch. Is the story or post backed by credible evidence? AI can help filter information and trace the source1 of a story and its authenticity.

AI has given users countless hours of entertainment to enjoy computer-generated images in movies and TV shows. Because they are so used to technology in a way their parents aren't, kids can learn for themselves how to evaluate deepfake technology when it's being used to sway or harm their young minds.

4. Keeping parents well-informed about their children's location. AI-powered GPS and geolocation technologies can help parents keep abreast of their children's whereabouts. Wearable devices like watches or smartphone apps use AI algorithms to provide real-time location updates and geofencing capabilities. They can also alert parents if their child goes beyond predetermined safe zones.

5. Assessing children's development.Apps and online tools use AI algorithms to analyze videos or recordings of a child's behavior and provide insights on their cognitive, motor, and social development. Parents can also use AI-powered scheduling apps to manage their kids' school routines and homework to simplify the family's daily schedule.