Dear CDA Families,
Technology is now part of everyday family life. From smartphones and social media to online gaming, learning apps, and artificial intelligence (AI), children are growing up in a world that looks very different from the one many of us experienced.
When my children were young, technology was not part of everyday life as it is today. I see how much has changed, and I recognize that technology can be both a great tool and a real challenge for families. That is why building healthy technology habits early matters. Children need adults to help them learn when technology is useful, when it is time to pause, how to stay safe, and how to use digital tools in ways that support learning, creativity, connection, and well-being.
Technology can help children learn new ideas, create projects, communicate with others, and explore the world around them. The goal does not have to be to eliminate technology completely, but to help children develop healthy habits and learn how to use digital tools safely, thoughtfully, and responsibly. This is especially important as AI becomes more common in the tools children and families use every day.
What Is AI?
AI is technology that can recognize patterns, follow instructions, make suggestions, create text or images, answer questions, or personalize what people see online. A simple way to explain AI to children is: “AI is a computer tool that learns from information and helps make guesses or suggestions, but it does not think, feel, or understand like a person.”
Why Families Should Talk About AI Early
Children may encounter AI before they can name it. Talking about AI in age-appropriate ways helps children build curiosity, critical thinking, digital safety habits, and trust with adults. For younger children, conversations can happen through play and everyday examples. For older children, families can discuss how to check information, protect privacy, and use AI as a learning support rather than a replacement for their own thinking.
Age-by-Age Guidance
| Age Range | Family Focus | Helpful Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Birth–5 years | Exploration, language, routines, and play | Keep screens limited and supervised. Focus on hands-on learning, books, music, movement, outdoor play, and conversation. Use simple examples, such as “the speaker follows our voice.” |
| 6–8 years | Curiosity and basic digital habits | Explore technology together. Talk about what information should stay private and remind children to ask an adult before using new apps, games, or AI tools. |
| 9–13 years | Critical thinking, privacy, and school support | Teach children to check AI answers, protect personal information, avoid copying, and use AI as a learning support rather than a replacement for their own ideas. |
| 14–17 years | Independence, responsibility, and digital decision-making | Talk about how AI, social media, online gaming, and online platforms can influence choices, opinions, self-image, and digital footprints. Encourage teens to check sources, use AI honestly, and think before posting or sharing. |
| 18+ years | Healthy balance, privacy, and lifelong digital habits | Support young adults in using AI and technology for learning, work, organization, creativity, and communication while maintaining boundaries, protecting personal information, and seeking trusted human support for important decisions. |
Family Safety Tips
- Use AI together. Young children should use AI tools only with adult guidance.
- Protect private information. Do not enter a child’s full name, address, school, phone number, photos, medical details, or family information into AI tools.
- Check the answer. AI can make mistakes or give information that sounds right but is not accurate.
- Keep people first. AI is not a friend, caregiver, teacher, therapist, or emergency support. Children should talk to trusted adults when they need help.
- Set clear limits. Create family rules for screen time, app use, chatbots, and homework support.
- Model healthy use. Let children see adults using technology for learning, creativity, communication, and problem-solving.
Helpful AI Tools and Resources for Families
- Common Sense Education: AI Literacy Toolkit for Families — free family activities, conversation guides, and AI literacy supports.
- Day of AI Family Resources — short videos, conversation cards, and simple activities for exploring AI together.
- Common Sense Media: Parents’ Ultimate Guide to Generative AI — parent-friendly explanations and research-backed tips.
- UNICEF: Parenting in the AI Age — guidance on explaining AI to children and supporting safe, positive digital experiences.
- UNICEF Digital Parenting — broader online safety and healthy technology guidance for families.
September Family Challenge
Put devices away and let everyone choose something to do together, such as taking a walk, playing a game, doing a craft, or reading a book. At the end, ask your children what they enjoyed most. You may decide to make this a weekly family tradition.
Technology will continue to change, but the things children need most remain the same: connection, guidance, healthy boundaries, opportunities to explore, and adults they can trust. By staying involved and keeping the conversations open, we can help our children enjoy the benefits of technology while developing healthy habits that will grow with them.
Warmly,
Jennifer Ordinario
CDA Family Resources Supervisor
We’re Here to Help
For individualized assistance with resources or referrals, please contact our Family Resources Team.
