Google Plans to Roll Out Gemini Access for Children Under 13

Google is set to introduce its Gemini AI chatbot next week for children under 13 who have parent-managed Google accounts for accessing Gemini. This move comes with a strategy to indulge more young users to use Google’s AI product.

“Gemini Apps will soon be available for your child,” the company made this statement in an email to an 8-year-old’s parent. “That means your child will be able to use Gemini” to ask questions, get homework help, and make up stories.

Kids can use the Gemini chatbot if their parents use Family Link which is Google’s tool that allows parents create child accounts and choose which services (like Gmail or YouTube) their kids can access. Once available, children can access the AI chatbot on the web or via mobile apps.

Google’s Karl Ryan says Gemini has special safety features for young users just like ‘YouTube Kids’ was introduced for kids to provide sensitive content. These features hinders the chatbot from sharing harmful and unsafe content. Moreover, when kids use Gemini through Family Link, Google won’t use their data to train its AI Model.

Exposing Gemini to younger population could make chatbot prevalent among young users thus aiding in faster growth. This comes as schools, businesses and others are still figuring out how to handle AI tools. These AI systems learn from massive amounts of data, these systems can deliver much more.

Google and other AI companies are racing to attract more younger audience emphasizing on creating more suitable environment for promoting the use of their chatbots. President Trump even asked schools to start using these tools for education.

Reportedly, the email also reminds parents that Gemini isn’t perfect, it can make mistakes – kids should learn to validate its answers before using them. Google also makes it clear that parent should remind their children that Gemini isn’t human, even though it can chat like a human.

So company recommends not to enter sensitive information. Despite the company’s efforts to filter inappropriate material, the email added, children “may encounter content you don’t want them to see.”

However, Google says the company decided to introduce Gemini after being exposed to different feedbacks from parents, teachers, and child experts. The company believes AI can help with learning and creativity – as long as there are strong safety measures in place.