AI is Here to Stay. 4 Things Parents of Teens Should Know | Connecticut Children's

AI and Teens: A Guide for Parents

• Expert Insight: Guidance provided by Preeti Sandhu, PsyD, Pediatric Psychologist at Connecticut Children’s.
• Updated: February 4, 2025 (Originally published February 2024).
• Core Philosophy: AI is a tool, not a substitute for learning or critical thinking; parents should prioritize open dialogue and teamwork.

1. Education and Learning

• Pros: Personalizes learning styles, assists with organization/proofreading, and supports students with ADHD or autism.
• Cons: Risk of exposure to inappropriate content, potential for bias/inaccuracy, over-reliance on technology, and academic integrity concerns (plagiarism).

2. Social Media and Entertainment

• Pros: Provides instant gratification through personalized content feeds.
• Cons: Challenges in maintaining internet safety due to lack of parental filters, prevalence of misinformation, and significant privacy concerns.
• Actionable Advice: Regularly review browser history, cookies, and blocked users with your teen.

3. Health and Well-being

• Pros: Empowers teens to track physical health and provides access to mental health chatbots.
• Cons: Increased screen time, potential for social isolation, and exposure to harmful content if unsupervised.
• Warning Signs: Watch for sudden drops in grades, loss of interest in hobbies, or secretive behavior; consult a pediatrician or mental health professional if concerns arise.

4. Life Milestones and Future Careers

• Pros: AI skills are increasingly valuable in the job market (e.g., robotics, data science, entrepreneurship) and can assist in goal setting.
• Cons: AI may automate certain job functions, necessitating discussions about career interests, adaptability, and backup plans.
• Ethical Focus: Emphasize the importance of using AI as a tool rather than a "crutch" to ensure teens develop their own values and decision-making skills.