Google announced Gemini AI for kids under 13—sparking concern among some organizations—but the company is winning praise for its plans.

Google announced plans last week to roll out its Gemini AI for kids under 13.

“Gemini Apps will soon be available for your child,” the company said in an email to the parent of an 8-year-old, via The New York Times. “That means your child will be able to use Gemini,” the company added, for things like homework, general questions, or bedtime stories.

Needless to say, the revelation raised concerned among many organizations, especially given the complicated relationship between AI and children. There have been numerous examples of AI models failing to properly maintain the safeguards necessary for children, and there’s always the risk that children will—especially younger ones—will not fully understand the implications of communicating with an AI.

Despite the concerns, Google is winning praise from the Abundance Institute for including parents in the entire process.

“When it comes to the benefits and risks kids and teens face with new technologies, parents come first,” Taylor Barkley, Director of Public Policy with the Abundance Institute, said in a statement provided to WPN. Which is why Google should be applauded for proactively notifying parents that they will be allowing younger users access to their AI tool, Gemini.”

Younger users have a lot to gain by using AI tools, but there absolutely are risks. Those risks are best addressed by parents and caregivers in close cooperation with tech companies. This approach, rather than stringent rules like bans, is the better path to maximizing the benefits of AI while minimizing harms.

Google making kids’ Gemini access contingent on Family Link, its service that lets parents control their children’s access to various Google services.

Family Link provides tools that respect families’ individual choices with technology, helping them create healthy, positive digital habits. With easy‑to‑use tools, you can understand how your child is spending time on their device, share location, manage privacy settings, and find the right balance for your family.

For better or worse, AI is permeating every aspect of society. As Barkley points out, however, Google is to be commended for making sure parents are involved in their children’s AI usage.