If you’ve ever asked a computer a question and gotten a helpful answer back, you’ve already met artificial intelligence, or AI. Artificial intelligence tools can help kids write stories, understand homework, brainstorm science projects, and even learn about animals and plants found right here in the Pacific Northwest. But just as riding a bike or exploring a forest trail matters, using AI safely matters.
What Is AI, Anyway?
AI tools are computer programs that learn from large amounts of data. They don’t think or feel like humans do, and they don’t always get things right. Think of AI like a speedy library helper … helpful, but it still needs a human to double-check its work. Artificial Intelligence needs training, so never be afraid to tell Artificial Intelligence that the information it’s given is wrong. The only way it learns is if we make it smarter. Seems ironic, doesn’t it?
How Kids Can Use AI in Positive Ways
AI can be a great tool when used responsibly:
- Homework help: Ask for explanations, not answers to copy.
- Creative projects: Write poems, stories, or songs inspired by the ocean, mountains, and forests around us. (ask AI to write you a song, it’s very fun!)
- Curiosity questions: Learn about volcanoes, salmon runs, or how moss grows in shady places.
- Practice skills: Get help practicing spelling, math steps, or learning a new language.
Safety Rule #1: Never Share Personal Information
Kids should never share:
- Full name
- Home address
- School name
- Phone number
- Passwords
- Photos of themselves or others
**AI doesn’t need to know who you are to help you learn.
Safety Rule #2: Don’t Believe Everything You Read
Sometimes AI makes mistakes. Always:
- Check facts with a trusted adult, book, or teacher
- Use more than one source for schoolwork
- Ask, “Does this sound true?”
Being a smart reader is just as important online as it is in a library.
Safety Rule #3: AI Is a Tool — Not a Boss
AI should support your thinking, not replace it. We know that thinking is hard; it’s the hardest thing for anyone to do, and we all wish that people would make decisions for us at times. Copying answers or letting AI do all the work can slow down your learning processes. Teachers want to see your ideas, your voice, and your effort.
Talking with Grown-Ups Matters
Parents, caregivers, and teachers should:
- Set clear rules for when and how AI can be used
- Check in about what kids are asking AI
- Encourage curiosity without judgment
**Kids should always feel comfortable saying, “I saw something online and I’m not sure about it.”
Suggested Age Guidelines
Ages 8–10
- Use AI together with an adult
- Focus on curiosity questions and creative storytelling
- Avoid independent accounts when possible
Ages 11–13
- Introduce fact-checking habits
- Discuss why AI can make mistakes
- Set clear rules for homework use
Ages 14–17
- Talk openly about ethics, plagiarism, and bias
- Encourage using AI as a brainstorming or study aid
- Review school policies on AI use (2025 is one of the first years to integrate the technology into public school classrooms)
Conversation Starters
Use these prompts at home or in the classroom:
- “What kinds of questions do you think are best to ask AI?”
- “How can we tell when information might be wrong?”
- “When should a human make the final decision instead of a computer?”
- “How is using AI similar to using a library or search engine?”
AI Safety Rules to Reinforce
- No personal information (name, address, school, photos, passwords)
- No copying answers for schoolwork
- Always double-check facts
- Tell a trusted adult if something feels confusing or uncomfortable
**Post these rules near shared devices if possible.
Classroom & Home Activities
Activity 1: Spot the Mistake
Ask AI a simple question, then check the answer together using a book or trusted website.
Activity 2: Creative Collaboration
Have students write the first paragraph of a story, then ask AI for ideas; compare human vs. AI creativity.
Activity 3: Outdoor Connection
Ask students to research a local plant or animal using multiple sources, including observation outdoors.
Key Takeaways for Adults
- AI tools can support learning, but children still need guidance.
- Kids under 18 benefit most when AI use is transparent, supervised, and discussed.
- AI literacy is becoming as important as reading and writing.
A PNW Reminder:
Not all families have the same access to technology. Encouragethe use of shared tools, school-based learning, and conversations about fairness, privacy, anda balanced approach to screen time. AI should never replace relationships, creativity, or critical thinking. The most powerful learning still happens through discussion, exploration, and connection. Living in a place full of towering trees, wild coastlines, and quiet trails reminds us that balance matters. Technology can help us learn, but time outdoors with nature, creativity, and human connection are just as important. Used wisely, AI tools can be a helpful guide, not a replacement for thinking, exploring, and growing. So stay curious, stay safe, and always ask questions . online and off.
Crystal Bauer Feldman is a Portland writer and community advocate focused on culture, inclusion, and family life.