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 privacy, saved conversations, optional memory, voice and image access, purchases and any parental controls available. Do not assume every service includes these controls.
In addition, agree that passwords, addresses, school details and private images stay out of conversations. Explain that a realistic voice or sympathetic reply does not prove understanding or accuracy. Check important information through reliable sources and speak to a trusted person when a conversation causes worry.
For learning, encourage your child to explain ideas in their own words and check the sources behind an answer. For personal conversations, protect time for sleep, hobbies and people they know. If a response becomes harmful or sexual, stop the interaction and review the service together.
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.
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.
Send a message
Contact us to enquire about parent sessions, school presentations or AI safety education. Tell us which tools your family uses and what you would like to understand.
Last updated: 15 October 2026
You must be logged in to post a comment.