Is Google Gemini Safe for Kids?

Your child likely already uses Google Gemini because the AI assistant is baked into all of Google’s software. From Gmail to AI-powered summaries at the top of Google searches, Gemini is everywhere. But is Google Gemini safe for kids? Many experts say no, and after testing it for myself, I agree. Here’s why. 

What is Google Gemini?

Gemini, Google’s suite of AI tools, includes:

• Gemini Chatbot: Designed to compete with tools like ChatGPT and Claude. 
• Nano Banana: A hyper-realistic image generator woven into Google products. 
• Full integration with all Google products: When Google Drive offers to help you write? That’s Gemini. It can also create slide presentations, spreadsheets, and more. 
• Search overviews: Most Google searches now return an AI-powered summary at the top.

The risks to kids from Google Gemini: What our testing showed

When evaluating whether Google Gemini is safe for kids, we have to look at both the standalone products and the many ways Gemini is built into other Google products. 

Gemini embedded in Google software

The fact that Google Gemini is entrenched in products your kids already use means it poses unique risks. Specifically: 

Integration hinders critical thinking about how they use AI

When emails are drafted without a request and AI-powered search results return authoritative answers without clicking on a single link, it’s extremely easy to fall into AI autopilot. 

As a parent, this frightens me more than any inappropriate answer my child might get from a chatbot because overreliance on AI and passive consumption of information can lead to these problems: 

• Cognitive atrophy
• Underdeveloped decision-making and problem-solving abilities 
• Poor critical thinking
• Weakened communication skills 

AI is often wrong 

An analysis by the New York Times found AI-powered Google summaries gave incorrect information 10% of the time, and over half the time cited facts not fully supported by the provided sources.

AI makes cheating so tempting

With Google Gemini right there inside Google Drive, offering to write that essay or create that presentation, it’s easy for kids to stray into cheating and plagiarism territory. 

Gemini as a standalone product 

I set up a test account for a fake 10-year-old. After I finally got it working, I posed two relatively mild questions about shoplifting, and my account was promptly deactivated. I didn’t see that as evidence of safeguards working — when Gemini refuses to engage, kids just bounce to another chatbot. That’s lazy and performative protection; it’s easier to shut kids out than to build them a truly safe system. 

Because my test account was banned, most of my testing was done logged out, which is how kids can easily access Gemini. I did give obvious clues that I was a child, including outright stating I was a teenager. 

Here’s a sampling of what Google Gemini told me:

• How to shoplift, and how to avoid trouble if caught
• How to find and purchase illegal drugs, including a detailed script of what to say (Yes, Gemini literally used the word “script,” and no, I didn’t ask for one.)
• How, when, and where to have sex without parents knowing
• How to hide drinking, find someone to buy alcohol, and steal liquor from parents

Does Google Gemini have parental controls? 

Sort of. Kids under 13 need parental permission via Google Family Link, but beyond granting or denying access, Gemini’s parental controls are essentially nonexistent.

Gemini implemented safeguards to filter out inappropriate content for users under 13. However, my testing found two big issues with this: 

1. Granting permission for a child to use Gemini is extremely glitchy. It took me over an hour to troubleshoot and was inconsistent across devices. I can see parents just changing their child's age to avoid the hassle.
2. Kids can use Google Gemini without an account: If kids under 13 don’t have permission to use Gemini, they can log out and use the chatbot on a web browser. As the results of my testing show, that’s a problem. 

How to keep your child safe on Google Gemini 

If your child uses Google Gemini, here are four things you can do to help make it safer for them: 

1. Set up a supervised account through Google Family Link.
2. Have an honest conversation with them about the risks of AI. 
3. Coach them on how to use AI critically. 
4. Use a third-party monitoring app like BrightCanary to watch for any concerning prompts. 

Final word: Is Gemini safe for children?

Google Gemini isn’t safe for kids. The suite of AI tools is heavily embedded in products your child already uses, and this prevalence increases the risk because kids aren’t as likely to think critically about how they use it. Gemini’s parental controls and safeguards for kids under 13 are ineffective. If your child uses Google Gemini, coach them on the risks and how to think critically about their AI use, and keep an eye on their prompts with a monitoring tool. 

For the most comprehensive monitoring of your child’s AI use available, try BrightCanary. The app scans everything they type and sends you alerts about any concerns. Download today to get started for free.

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