New tools bring AI into kids’ homework and storytelling — but not without parental controls and educational concerns

Google has unveiled Gemini for Children, a new artificial intelligence platform designed for users 13 and under, raising both excitement and alarm over how young people engage with emerging technologies in classrooms and at home.

The tech giant announced that Gemini will be available on Google devices, offering help with homework, storytelling, grammar support, and more. But as AI enters the world of children, Google admits: the software still isn’t perfect.

In a message to parents, Google said it would “do its best to filter inappropriate material,” but acknowledged that mistakes can happen.

AI for Kids, with Guardrails

The company emphasized that parental controls will remain central. Families using Google’s Family Link can opt to block Gemini entirely on their children’s devices, ensuring parents retain control over exposure.

Yet the concerns go beyond explicit content. Educators and tech ethicists are already raising red flags about how AI might alter childhood learning, especially around critical thinking.

“It’s so easy to use it becomes easy to relegate the critical thinking part of your mind, and then you just rely on it,” said Ahmad Elbaba, reflecting on the risks Gemini may pose in an academic setting. “That’s what worries me with students.”

In Schools, a Pilot Already Underway

In western Colorado, District 51 has already integrated AI into classrooms through a pilot initiative called Elevate AI. The program aims to help students brainstorm, improve grammar, and stay organized — but the district is also taking steps to prevent over-reliance.

“Anytime you create an easy button for someone, the deep learning sometimes doesn’t happen,” said Dan Burke, Executive Director of Technology for D51. “So I think it’s on us to find ways to get by that.”

Burke says the district employs filters and firewalls to prevent students from accessing inappropriate content using district-owned devices. But as AI tools become more intuitive — and more accessible — educators must walk a fine line between embracing technology and preserving fundamental skills.

Homework Helper or Shortcut?

Google says Gemini is meant to empower young learners, not replace the educational process. The software can:

• Generate creative story prompts

• Assist with homework explanations

• Provide writing suggestions and organization tips

• Offer voice-activated help for children who struggle with reading or typing

But experts warn that ease of access doesn’t always translate to deeper learning.

“There’s a very real concern that AI, while helpful, may make it too easy to skip the process of trial-and-error, of learning how to structure your own argument or explore a tough problem,” said Maya Chen, an education technology analyst based in Denver. “Especially for children, whose cognitive development is still forming, we have to be careful.”

Parental Involvement is Key, Says Google

In its announcement, Google made a direct appeal to parents, urging them to talk to their children about AI literacy — and how to think critically when interacting with tools like Gemini.

“We want kids to feel empowered,” the company wrote in an email to registered families. “But they should also understand that not everything Gemini says is true. Learning to question and evaluate information is essential.”

To that end, Google is reportedly working on age-appropriate guidance materials to help families understand how to integrate Gemini into healthy digital habits.

A Competitive Edge — or a New Divide?

Some educators see AI as a way to close learning gaps, offering support to students who struggle with language, organization, or access to tutoring. But others warn that unequal access to high-quality AI tools — and the parental supervision needed to use them safely — could deepen the digital divide.

“Families that understand how to guide their kids through AI tools will benefit. Those who don’t, or can’t monitor usage, might find their children falling behind — or becoming too dependent on machines,” said Dr. Lila Rodriguez, a child development specialist.

Privacy and Safety: Still a Concern

Despite Google’s promise to filter inappropriate content, the company concedes that Gemini could still make errors — potentially exposing children to inaccurate, biased, or unsafe information.

That’s especially worrying in the wake of past AI controversies, where chatbots have generated harmful or misleading content despite guardrails. Google says Gemini has undergone extensive child-safety testing, but transparency about how it works — and where it fails — remains limited.

Will AI Be the New Teacher?

Back in Mesa County’s District 51, Burke said AI should be seen as a support tool, not a replacement. “It’s not about doing the work for them. It’s about helping them see the next step, maybe where they were stuck before,” he said.

But even he admits: the classroom is changing — fast.

“We’re in the early stages, but it’s clear AI will play a role in how kids learn from here on out.”