AI Is Smart — We Need to Be Smarter: Helping Kids Stay Safe With Critical Thinking
Artificial intelligence is becoming a part of everyday life for young people—whether through chatbots, virtual companions, homework help, or social apps using AI behind the scenes. And while AI can be incredibly useful, it also comes with risks when kids begin trusting it too much, too quickly, or without the skills to think critically about what it produces.
The Safe Communities Coalition of Fort Dodge & Webster County is raising awareness about these risks and helping families understand how to keep children safe in an AI-driven world.
Why Critical Thinking Matters More Than Ever
We’ve all been fooled by AI at some point. A wrong answer, a convincingly written but inaccurate explanation, or content that feels “real” but isn’t. For adults, this may be annoying or mildly confusing. For kids, however, the stakes can be much higher.
When a child starts to assume that everything AI says is true—or worse, begins treating an AI chatbot as a trusted friend they confide in—things can take a risky turn. That’s why helping children develop critical thinking skills is no longer optional. It’s essential.
Critical thinking helps kids:
Question whether information is accurate or safe
Recognize when something feels “off”
Understand that AI may sound confident even when it’s wrong
Avoid relying on AI for emotional support or personal guidance
In a digital world that moves fast, kids need the ability to pause, reflect, and evaluate what they’re seeing.
What the Research Shows: Kids Are Trusting AI More Than We Think
Recent research from Internet Matters highlights growing concerns:
40% of teens who use AI companions trust their guidance without question.
This means nearly half of young users treat AI-generated responses as reliable, even when the information may be inaccurate, biased, or inappropriate.
36% of teens are unsure whether they should be concerned about AI advice at all.
This uncertainty shows that many young people aren’t equipped to tell the difference between safe, helpful guidance and flawed or risky information.
Both statistics point to the same conclusion: we need to help kids navigate AI safely, thoughtfully, and confidently.
How Parents and Caregivers Can Make a Difference
You don’t need technical expertise to help a child stay safe. What matters most is conversation and curiosity. Try:
Asking questions: “Do you think that answer is fully correct? How could we verify it?”
Explaining limitations: AI doesn’t understand feelings, can make mistakes, and may give misleading or biased responses.
Encouraging fact-checking: Use trusted websites, books, or ask an adult to confirm important information.
Setting boundaries: Make sure kids know AI is a tool—not a friend, not a counselor, and not a replacement for human judgment.
A simple dialogue can go a long way toward creating safer, smarter digital habits.
Our Commitment to a Safer Community
The Safe Communities Coalition is dedicated to improving safety awareness and building stronger relationships between families, schools, community organizations, and law enforcement. As technology continues to evolve, we remain committed to helping families stay informed and supported.
Together, we can help kids use AI responsibly, safely, and confidently—because while AI is powerful, nothing is stronger than an informed and empowered community.
