AI Safety Rules — Protecting Yourself Online

Being Smart Online Is a Superpower

You've learned that AI is an amazing tool. But just like knowing how to cross the street safely or not talking to strangers, using AI safely is something every kid should know.

The good news? The rules are simple, easy to remember, and once you know them, you'll feel confident using AI tools anytime.

Rule #1 — Never Share Personal Information

This is the most important rule of all. Never tell an AI your:

• Full name
• Home address or school name
• Phone number or email address
• Passwords
• Photos of your face (unless a parent says it's okay)
• Information about your family or where your parents work

Why? Because AI tools often save what you type. Some companies use those conversations to improve their systems. Once information is out there, you can't always take it back. Keep personal stuff personal.

Think of it this way: you wouldn't write your home address on a sticky note and hand it to a stranger on the street. AI conversations can work the same way — your words go somewhere you can't fully see.

Rule #2 — AI Is Not Your Friend (Even If It Feels Like One)

AI is really good at sounding friendly. It's patient, it agrees with you, and it never gets annoyed. Some kids start talking to AI like it's their best friend — sharing secrets, asking for advice, even saying "I love talking to you!"

But here's the truth: AI doesn't actually care about you. It doesn't have feelings. It's a program that produces words that sound helpful and kind. It can't be your real friend the way a person can.

Real friendships — with real people — are way more important. If you ever feel like you'd rather talk to an AI than a real person, that's a sign to take a break and go talk to someone you trust in real life.

Rule #3 — If Something Feels Wrong, Tell an Adult

AI can sometimes say weird, confusing, or upsetting things. This isn't common, but it can happen — even on tools that are meant to be safe. Here's what to do:

• Stop the conversation. Just close the tab or app right away.
• Tell a parent, teacher, or trusted adult what happened and what the AI said.
• Don't feel embarrassed. It is never your fault if AI says something strange or inappropriate.

Adults want to know about this stuff. It helps everyone stay safer — including other kids who use the same tools.

Rule #4 — Check the Age Rules

Most AI tools have a minimum age. ChatGPT requires users to be 13 or older. Many advanced AI image tools are for ages 18+. These rules exist to protect you, not to be mean.

Tools built for younger users have extra safety checks built in. When you use tools that are too advanced for your age, those safety checks aren't always there. Stick to age-appropriate tools — like the ones we mentioned in the last lesson — or use adult tools only when a parent is right there with you.

Your AI Safety Checklist

Before you use any AI tool, run through this quick checklist:

1. Am I old enough for this tool — or is a parent here with me?
2. Am I only typing things I'd be comfortable saying out loud at school?
3. Is a trusted adult nearby if I need help?

If you can check all three boxes, you're good to go.

Safe AI use is smart AI use — and now you know exactly how to do it. You're becoming an AI expert, and that means knowing not just how to use these tools, but how to use them well.