Google is set to roll out its Gemini AI chatbot next week for children under the age of 13 who have parent-managed accounts, as tech companies increasingly target younger audiences with AI-powered tools.

In an email sent to a parent of an 8-year-old, Google announced: “Gemini Apps will soon be available for your child,” noting that the chatbot can help kids with tasks like asking questions, getting homework assistance, and creating stories.

Access to Gemini will be granted to children through Google’s Family Link, a parental control service that lets families manage their child’s Gmail account and grant access to apps like YouTube. To create a child’s account, parents must provide personal details including the child’s name and date of birth.

To protect younger users, Gemini includes built-in safeguards designed to prevent the generation of inappropriate or unsafe content. According to Google spokesperson Karl Ryan, the company will not use data from child users to train its AI models.

The move marks a significant step in the adoption of generative AI among children, raising both opportunities and concerns.

While AI tools like Gemini can support learning and creativity, experts warn about the risks—such as inaccurate information, privacy issues, and exposure to harmful content.

The technology’s growing presence in schools and homes is also part of a broader race among tech firms to capture the attention of young users, with even political figures like former President Donald Trump urging educational institutions to embrace AI.

Meanwhile, new social media laws in Australia will also impose restrictions, including limiting access to platforms like X, Facebook, and Instagram for users under 16, starting in December.

Despite their promise, chatbots have drawn criticism for their potential impact on child safety, especially since they can sometimes generate misleading or entirely false information.