AI safety settings help families review privacy, account access and the protections available in artificial intelligence tools. These services can answer questions, create content and simulate conversations. Children and teenagers may use them for learning, entertainment, creative expression or company.
For parents, understanding the purpose of a tool is the first step. This collection separates AI General Assistants, AI Character Chat and AI Companions so you can explore the experiences your child encounters. However, settings work best alongside informed choices, open conversations and trusted human support.
Table of contents
Choose an AI Category
AI Assistants
AI General Assistants help people ask questions, explore ideas, draft text and work through everyday tasks. Depending on the service, they may also work with images, voice, files or web information. Young people may use them for study support, creative projects and quick explanations.
However, a fluent answer can contain mistakes, bias or invented sources. Encourage young people to attempt tasks themselves, check important claims and follow their school’s rules. In addition, avoid uploading private family information, school records, passwords or other people’s images.
AI Character Chat
AI Character Chat lets people talk with simulated personalities. Characters may resemble fictional heroes, historical figures or personalities created by other users. Young people may enjoy storytelling, role play, humour and exploring interests through interactive conversation.
However, a familiar character does not make a conversation suitable for a child. Replies may include sexual themes, abusive language, manipulation or unsafe advice. Similarly, a convincing imitation does not represent the real views of the person or fictional character it resembles.
AI Companions
AI Companions focus on ongoing personal conversation and simulated relationships. They may present themselves as a friend, confidant or romantic partner. People may turn to them for company, reassurance or a space to discuss feelings without expecting criticism.
However, an AI companion generates responses and does not have human feelings or responsibility for the user. A warm tone, remembered details or affectionate language can make a simulated relationship feel personal. Some services can expose users to sexual content, unhealthy expectations or unsafe advice.
How the Categories Overlap
These categories describe how people use AI rather than strict boundaries between products. For example, someone may ask a general assistant for reassurance or develop an attachment to a fictional character. Similarly, a companion may offer practical help alongside personal conversation.
Therefore, look at the actual interaction, not just the app’s description. Consider whether it remembers personal details, encourages repeated contact or presents replies as trusted advice. Where a service appears in more than one category, its links should lead to the same safety guide.
Age Rating and Child Safety Warning
There is no single minimum age or safety standard covering every AI tool. Check the provider’s current account rules and any parental consent requirements. An app store age rating is different from permission to create an account.
For children, neither a friendly character nor a paid subscription guarantees suitable content. Some services are intended for adults. Parental permission does not automatically override age restrictions, and filters cannot guarantee a safe response.
AI Safety Settings and Family Conversations
Start by asking what your child enjoys about the tool and what they share with it. Then review the relevant category and app guide. Across all three categories, consider the following risks alongside the AI safety settings available.
Emotional Attachment and Real Relationships
A familiar voice, remembered details or reassuring replies can make AI feel like a trusted relationship. However, the feelings a young person experiences do not mean the system has human feelings or responsibility. Ask whether the interaction helps them return to everyday life or makes it harder to stop.
For parents, notice lost sleep, withdrawal from friends or distress when a character changes or becomes unavailable. Respond without ridicule and protect time with trusted people. If distress persists, seek appropriate professional support rather than leaving the child to rely on the bot.
Harmful Content and Unsafe Advice
AI can produce sexual material, hateful ideas, misleading claims or unsafe advice, even when the opening conversation seems harmless. Similarly, a confident tone or a safety filter does not guarantee a suitable response. Teach children to stop and tell a trusted adult when something feels wrong.
Listen calmly, review the service together and use its reporting tools. Keep only necessary details for a report. Avoid forwarding intimate images. For serious worries, involve a trusted professional and use the CODA support resources below.
Privacy and Personal Information
Treat prompts, uploaded files, images and voice recordings as information shared with a company. Keep passwords, school details, addresses and private family records out of conversations. In addition, avoid uploading another person’s face or voice without permission.
Review saved chats, optional memory, public sharing and any documented AI privacy choices separately. Removing a remembered detail may leave the original conversation or other retained records. Therefore, check what deletion covers and use the individual guide for the service your family encounters.
Related CODA Resources
Explore Resources for Parents and Children and Online Privacy. For additional support routes, visit Useful Links and Supports.
References
Webwise AI Aware offers Irish resources for families learning about generative AI.
eSafety guidance on AI chatbots and companions explains privacy, harmful content and relationship risks.
Internet Matters research on children and AI chatbots discusses personal advice, emotional reliance and the importance of adult guidance.
Common Sense Media’s guide to AI companions and relationships provides advice on recognising attachment and supporting real relationships.
About Children of the Digital Age
Children of the Digital Age provides online safety education and training for parents, schools and organisations. Our work combines practical guidance with an understanding of online behaviour and cyberpsychology.
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Contact us to enquire about parent sessions, school presentations or guidance on AI safety settings. Tell us which tools your family uses and what you would like to understand.
Last updated: 17 October 2026
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