If all parents read were headlines, they would know two things about AI. That means there is a 10% chance that AI will kill us all. And they would know that “it’s very dangerous for teens.”
That’s according to Brown University parenting expert and economics professor Emily Oster, who spoke with CNBC Make It on OpenAI’s ChatGPT for Teens Parent Forum on Wednesday.
As she pointed out, today’s parents (like all parents) have to deal with a regular onslaught of doomsday reports about the dangers of technology, new and old. “It’s a very anxiety-provoking experience for parents,” Oster said.
Still, before you try to lock your kids in their bedrooms until they’re 18, or set up other boundaries as a result of that fear or paranoia, Oster recommends the following:
prepare the equipment
As new online platforms begin to proliferate and the Internet begins to make an impact, the first thing you can do is stay informed, Oster suggests.
“I think it’s worth it for parents to consider some of these tools,” she added. The goal doesn’t have to be for the child to make decisions about how to use them. It is important to understand firsthand what these platforms are.
You may find that it’s not as scary as it seems. Or, even if your concerns remain, you’ll have a better understanding of what the boundaries should be. “You come into the conversation feeling more empowered,” she says.
control your domain
If you have children, the best way to avoid falling victim to doom and gloom is to take control of the space in which you have more influence: your home. “A stable family environment with parents who love and support you is something you can control,” Oster says.
She added: “We probably spend too little time investing in the things we can control compared to worrying about what’s going on outside.”
Research supports the idea that family life plays an important role in a child’s upbringing. According to the American Psychological Association, environments that are warm, open, and include appropriate limits can lead to higher self-esteem, better school performance, and more.
In your home, focus on love and support as well as parameters you can set, such as no screens or phones overnight. And when you need encouragement, “remember how important that foundation is when you send your child out into the world,” Oster says.
