By Marty Dolan
Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a bigger part of everyday life, and teenagers are using AI-powered tools for school, entertainment, and socializing. While these tools offer plenty of benefits, they also come with legal risks that parents should be aware of, especially when it comes to data privacy, misinformation, intellectual property, and potential liability. By understanding these concerns and taking a few proactive steps, parents can help keep their teens using AI safe while they explore the technology.
Protecting Your Teen’s Privacy
Many AI apps—like chatbots, virtual assistants, and content generators—collect and store user data. Without realizing it, teens might share personal details that could be misused or lead to privacy violations. AI-driven platforms can track browsing history, analyze behavior, and even create user profiles based on interactions.
What You Can Do
- Check the privacy policies of AI apps your teen uses.
- Encourage them to share as little personal information as possible.
- Use parental controls and adjust privacy settings to limit data collection.
- Have open discussions about the risks of sharing personal details, like location and identity.
Helping Teens Using AI Recognize Misinformation
AI isn’t perfect—it can generate false or misleading information that may shape how teenagers see the world. Deepfake technology and AI-generated content, like videos and articles, can be used to spread misinformation, manipulate opinions, or even enable cyberbullying and fraud.
What You Can Do
- Teach your teens using AI how to fact-check information before believing or sharing it.
- Encourage them to verify sources and think critically about what they see online.
- Talk about the ethical use of AI and the consequences of spreading false or misleading content.
Understanding Intellectual Property Issues
AI tools can generate art, music, essays, and even code, but that doesn’t mean everything created with AI is legally free to use. Teens using AI might unknowingly violate copyright laws by using content without permission or claiming AI-created work as their own.
What You Can Do
- Explain copyright laws in simple terms and why original work matters.
- Encourage ethical AI use, such as properly citing AI-assisted content in schoolwork.
- Make sure teens using AI understand that AI-generated content might still belong to someone else.
Avoiding Legal Trouble with AI
AI-generated content can have real-world consequences. If a teen uses AI to create harmful material—such as offensive social media posts, threats, or manipulated images—they could face school disciplinary actions, lawsuits, or even criminal charges.
What You Can Do
- Set clear expectations for responsible AI use.
- Monitor online activity to ensure teens using AI are following ethical and legal guidelines.
- Discuss the serious consequences of using AI irresponsibly, including harassment and fraud.
Teens Using AI and Impact on Mental Health
AI-driven algorithms personalize content, sometimes reinforcing harmful behaviors or exposing teens to inappropriate material. Social media algorithms powered by AI can contribute to anxiety, depression, and cyberbullying.
What You Can Do
- Set screen time limits and encourage offline hobbies.
- Talk about the emotional effects of AI-curated content and social media.
- Keep communication open about their online experiences.
By staying informed and engaged, parents can help their teenagers navigate AI safely and responsibly while minimizing legal risks. It’s all about balancing the benefits of technology with smart and responsible use.
Marty Dolan is a respected trial lawyer and founder of Dolan Law, Chicago. He is a longtime Clarendon Hills Resident with over 30 years of experience handling personal injury and wrongful death cases. He actively serves as an appointed committee member of the Illinois Supreme Court Rules Committee. He also serves as the Vice Chair of the DuPage County Bar Association ADR Section.