Google is developing “Gemini for Kids” with safety guardrails for under-13 users

Google’s upcoming “Gemini for Kids” initiative represents a significant step in developing AI safeguards specifically for children under 13, addressing growing concerns about young users turning to AI chatbots for advice. This development comes at a critical juncture as Google transitions from its original Google Assistant to the more sophisticated Gemini AI, creating both opportunities and challenges for protecting younger users interacting with increasingly human-like AI systems.

The big picture: Google is developing a specialized version of its Gemini AI assistant designed specifically for children under 13, as discovered in inactive code within the latest Google app for Android.

• The child-focused version promises features like story creation, question answering, and homework assistance while implementing specific safeguards and parental controls.
• This development coincides with warnings from Dame Rachel de Souza, Children’s Commissioner for England, about children increasingly turning to AI chatbots for advice instead of parents.

Why this matters: Google’s transition from traditional Google Assistant to Gemini creates an unavoidable situation where younger users will eventually interact with more powerful AI systems.

• Unlike the original Google Assistant, Gemini functions more conversationally, increasing the potential for misinformation and inappropriate content.
• Creating child-specific safeguards addresses both practical needs as Google phases out its original assistant and growing societal concerns about AI’s influence on children.

Key details: The “Gemini for Kids” code discovered by Android specialists reveals Google’s planned approach to child safety within the AI system.

• The interface will include explicit warnings stating “Gemini isn’t human and can make mistakes, including about people, so double-check it.”
• The system will operate under Google’s established privacy policies and parental control frameworks, potentially giving it advantages over competing AI platforms.

The critical question: The implementation raises concerns about whether children possess sufficient critical thinking skills to effectively verify Gemini’s responses as instructed.

• The warning message places responsibility on young users to validate AI-generated information, a potentially challenging task for children.
• Google has yet to release specific details about additional safeguards beyond the parental control framework.

What’s next: As “Gemini for Kids” has not yet been publicly released, its effectiveness remains to be seen.

• The integration with Google’s established parental control systems could provide advantages over competing chatbots like ChatGPT.
• This initiative represents an early industry attempt to address the specific challenges of AI use by children in an increasingly AI-dependent technological landscape.