In a bold and kinda sorta terrifying step into the future of childhood, Google has announced launching Gemini AI Chatbot for children under 13 because nothing says “quality childhood” like casually chatting with a robot trained on the internet.

Google has declared: “Gemini Apps will soon be available for your child!” (So, apparently, now I have something in common with the 13-year-olds)

Children with Google’s Family Link accounts, a system that already tracks kid usage, will now get access to Gemini, a super-powered AI chatbot that can help with homework, create stories, and maybe, just maybe, help your child in coming up with creative excuses for their mistakes “Hi Gemini! How to deal with parents?”

Google’s Gemini or Jai Mini!?

According to Google spokesperson Karl Ryan, Gemini for kids comes with “specific guardrails.” So we can assume that there are certain safeguards in place.

Children’s data won’t be put to use to train this AI, as it is pretty smart enough to train itself. Because we don’t expect a chatbot to throw tantrums because it didn’t get a dessert. (Oh! I hate kids.)

Still, the idea of kids using generative AI has set off alarms louder than a toddler who can’t stop crying at full volume in the theatre. As schools and colleges scramble to understand AI’s impact, children, the same group that once tried to figure out whether to watch Shinchan or Doraemon, now will have access to Artificial intelligence.

“Gemini’s Not a Human, Sweetie” Google’s Parenting Tips

To their credit (sort of), Google is trying to pre-empt the chaos. The company recommends parents teach their children to “fact-check Gemini’s answers,” which is so sweet for someone who believes Santa Claus lives in a mall from November to January.

And in perhaps the greatest disclaimer of all time, the email helpfully notes: “Gemini isn’t human.” Just in case your 7-year-old wishes to invite it to their birthday party or confide in it about who farted in class.

Parents are also warned that “Gemini can make mistakes,” which is Google-speak for: “You probably might be having more responsibilities.”

Google’s Long History of Tech Babysitting Children

This isn’t Google’s first rodeo with child-friendly tech. Google launched YouTube Kids in 2015, which became a place for kids to binge-watch unboxing videos until they grow up and unbox existential crisis.

But this latest AI-child interaction has got critics rollin’. UNICEF and other children’s groups are coming up with firm warnings claiming that children are not that emotionally mature to differentiate between a chatbot and their adult cousin who insists that NFTs are still cool.

These bots, the experts warn, can cause a bit of chaos and spread misinformation, and manipulate young users. And let’s face it, we don’t want new excuses for late bed time generated by Gemini.

Parental Controls (Also Known As Hope and Prayers)

Under this rollout, kids can initially access Gemini without having any inputs given by parents. But Google also swears that it will notify the parents super fast. After that the parents will have the choice to turn off Gemini. Can’t wait for the “I hate yous!” being shouted at volume volume.

The idea of tech companies targeting kids is nothing new. I hope that you all remember Meta’s “Instagram Kids”. Yeah, that didn’t end well. State attorneys general basically grounded Meta and snatched away the screen time from it for solely trying to launch that gem.

And let’s not forget the gravity of the fines these companies have faced for violating child privacy laws. If you want then you can compare it to the game of Monopoly but you just have to pay 50 million dollars and write a super long apology. (Hopefully not 300 words! ikykik).

The Real Question: What Will Google’s Gemini Say to Kids?

There’s no word yet on how Gemini will respond to crucial kid queries like: “Are farts a form of communication?” But one thing is certainly clear that the uprising of the robot probably may not start with Skynet, but with a chatbot who was there for your kid when you were not. (Did I make you emotional? Thanks!)

So buckle up, parents. Gemini is coming. And it’s bringing the full force of AI and minor chaos for your minors.

What could possibly go wrong?