There’s more to AI than Chat GPT…
Generative AI (Gen AI) is increasingly becoming part of our kid’s school lives, but it’s not just a case of watching out for some AI generated copy in their assignments.
Gen AI is shaping the digital content we – and our children – consume. From popular games like Roblox and Minecraft to social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, it’s getting harder to spot AI-generated content. The challenge isn’t necessarily with the AI technology itself, but rather with the systems meant to ensure its responsible use, especially among young people who are still developing their decision-making abilities and understanding of consequences.
Case in point: deepfakes.
Deepfakes are concerning because they can be used for spreading fake news and inappropriate content, being used to steal people’s identities, scams, and even influencing elections. Here in Australian, there’s been a series of incidents at schools where students have allegedly created explicit deepfake images of their classmates.
While the technology to create deepfakes has advanced quickly and become accessible to teens, the protective measures, regulations, and digital literacy education haven’t kept pace, raising serious concerns about privacy, consent, and digital safety among teens.
This gap creates a situation where young people can access powerful AI tools before they understand the ethical and legal implications and before schools and parents have developed responsible guidelines and boundaries around their use.
Optus is helping to bridge this gap with their Digital Thumbprint resources for kids, families and teachers (endorsed by the eSafety Commissioner). We’ve partnered with Optus to help get this important information out to the community. Keep reading for more about what parents and teens need to know about Gen AI.
Optus Local General Manager for NSW Nick Gibson said:
“AI is impacting many aspects of our lives, so parents especially need to be aware of how this technology can impact their children.
“That’s why at Optus we have the Digital Thumbprint resources for kids, families and teachers, which are all free to guide them in how to safely engage with technology. We are all about connecting people and communities at Optus, that’s why we take this important issue for young people so seriously.”
What exactly is Gen AI?
While traditional AI performs tasks that typically require human thinking, Gen AI takes this a step further by creating entirely new content on its own. For example, text, images, conversations, music, and even videos. According to research by KPMG, “84% of Gen Z Australians (aged 5-24) have used Generative AI,” highlighting just how widespread the use is among young people.
Types of Gen AI
Many Gen AI tools have become common in our children’s digital experiences:
Text-based tools like ChatGPT can assist with homework and creative writing but may provide incorrect information and foster over-reliance.
Image-based tools such as DALL-E can create realistic images from text descriptions, enhancing learning but potentially creating inappropriate content if misused.
Chatbots offer quick answers but might encourage unsafe behaviour or spread misinformation.
Deepfakes can create fake videos or images that mimic someone’s voice or face, potentially being used for cyberbullying or scams.
Nudify Apps use Gen AI to “alter images, adding or removing clothing to create fake explicit content, often without consent.”
Supporting safe use
Parents can take several actions to help their kids navigate Gen AI safely:
- Keep security in mind by reminding children not to share personal information, photos, or videos with these tools.
- Stay curious and encourage critical thinking by prompting children to ask “why” and “how” when using Gen AI.
- Know the limits of platforms based on age restrictions—many require users to be at least 13 years old.
- Maintain ongoing conversations about how and when teens use these tools, as Gen AI technology is always changing.
By understanding Gen AI, parents can better support their teens in using this technology as a tool for learning, creativity and problem-solving while remembering that AI should enhance your child’s unique skills, thinking and talents, not replace them.
What to do if your child needs more help
- eSafety Commissioner to report cyberbullying, image-based abuse, and illegal and restricted content Australian Cyber Security Centre to report a cybercrime, cyber security incident or vulnerability.
- The Police if your child is in immediate danger or facing online harm.
- Contact your child’s school to discuss the issue.
If your child needs to talk to someone about their feelings or worries, they can contact any of these free, private, 24/7 services:
- Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 y 1300
- Yarn on 12 92 76
- Lifeline on 13 11 14
This article was put together using resources and information from the Optus Digital Thumbprint, which has been endorsed by the eSafety Commissioner as a Trusted eSafety Provider. For more digital safety workshops, guides and resources for young people and families, please visit their hub.
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